We take ivies for granted but they do have a role to play. Those with green leaves are shade tolerant and will grow happily on north facing walls. Variegated Hedera colchica 'Dentata' is a vigorous climber whose leathery, toothed, bright green leaves, up to ten inches long, will cover a wall up to 30 feet high within a few years of planting. When planting an ivy in front of a wall or fence, peg, down its young stems to encourage the production of lateral climbing shoots that will self-cling. 'Dentata' should be grown in fertile, humus rich, preferably alkaline, moist but well drained soil in sun or shade. Planted in open ground it makes a handsome ground cover plant, too.
Propagation: Root semi ripe cuttings of juvenile growth in summer. |
North facing walls present gardeners with a challenge but some climbers thrive there such as Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, which originated in the Far East. It is an easy to grow, trouble free climber which does not need support and will cover a 50 foot wall without much difficulty. It is deciduous with dark green four inch leaves with heart shaped bases. In autumn the leaves turn an attractive bright yellow. Summer sees the appearance of its showy, white ten inch flower corymbs. This plant should be grown in moderately fertile, humus rich soil and, if necessary, pruned after flowering.
Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Root softwood cuttings in early summer. |
Pileostegia viburnoides is an excellent climber that will grow well. Perfect for disguising ugly brickwork. This is an attractive evergreen climber that will smother a 20 foot wall when fully grown. It has elegant, oblong, leathery, dark green leaves and small star shaped creamy white flowers appearing from late summer to autumn. This Asian climber should be grown in fertile, well drained soil in sun or shade and should be pruned in early spring. Like all climbers it needs to be planted about eighteen inches from the wall or fence it is to climb as, at this distance, the roots receive all the rainfall they need.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Layer in spring. |
