35
Discover Smith Mountain Lake
SPRING 2016
34
Weeder’s
Digest
The use of decorative climbing plants in the landscape
allows for a multitude of options and potential creativity.
Their versatility spans from screening barriers, shading
patios, and ground covers, to decorative covers for
trellises, lattice, arbors and pergolas.
Vertical landscaping can create a transitional flow,
softening walls, beautifying fences, and giving us color in
tight spaces. In many respects, the location and structure
will dictate which species of vine you should use. You’ll
need to ask yourself first what it is that you eventually
envision how much room you have, and the level of
maintenance you are willing to do. Aside from possible
soil and light restrictions, vines attach themselves by
either clinging with aerial rootlets, tendrils with adhesive
discs, or by twining, so initial and eventual support have
to be among your first thoughts.
The climbing hydrangea is a unique vine. It’s used as a
decorative cover for both shaded walls and structures, or
as a tree climber. It can reach over thirty feet in height,
and attaches itself by clinging. If not given strong support,
it can and will sprawl across the ground. Once mature,
the plant will produce short flowering branches, with
large white lace cap type flower clusters. Hydrangea is a
truly beautiful addition to those types of shady locations.
If you want unabated coverage fast, look no further than
either English Ivy or Virginia Creeper. Both creep or climb
using tendrils with sticky discs, which attach to just about
anything. For those looking for that European style look
on a fence, or classically climbing up the brick chimney,
these are your monsters. Although they are effective,
beware of what you wish for; both are extremely invasive
and potentially destructive. Either can grow in sunny
or shady locations, but their versatility comes with a
price: Each has a propensity to smother small trees and
shrubs, crumble mortar, and rot the wood that supports
it. Plant at your own risk.
Of all the vines out there, the most ornamental varieties
are those that climb by twining. Wild Honeysuckle
perfumes the air, and harkens back memories of tasting
the honey drop hidden within the flower. New hybrids
provide amultitude of colors, and exhibit amore controlled
growth habit. Hummingbirds flock to the Trumpet vine
when in bloom, but do make sure that you provide a
sturdy support, as its growth habit is fairly aggressive.
The incomparable Wisteria, if not groomed in a stand
alone tree, will also need a fortified open structure to
handle its rampant growth rate. Interestingly, Japanese
Wisteria twine from right to left, and tend to bloom with an
inconsistent habit, whereas the Chinese Wisteria, which
is most commonly seen in the marketplace, twines from
left to right and provides a more stunning display, as it
will bloom all at once.
Perhaps the most coveted vine of all is the Clematis. Its
astounding array of colors and flower forms are rivaled
only by its varied bloom times. The true flowers are
actually tiny and inconspicuous. The display that stops
us in our tracks consists of petal-like sepals that open
up, exposing the flowers. Even when done blooming, the
show continues, as the fruit pod is exposed and covered
with silky type hairs.
Clematis is not as finicky as some may think. They like
more sun than less, but do like to stay moist, so either
mulch its base, or plant a shallow rooting plant or ground
cover to protect its crown at ground level. I seem to get
the most questions about their pruning regimen. Those
that bloom in the spring had their buds set last year, so
trim it after the bloom phase is complete. Those that
bloom in summer and fall can be cut back to a lateral bud
in spring time, to what ever degree you wish to control its
habit. Either way, Clematis is a pretty forgiving plant, so
even if you think you’ve butchered it, it will bounce back
pretty quickly. They do prefer a near neutral PH, so as is
the case with most of us having fairly acid soil, add some
lime at planting time, and every other year as necessary
or warranted.
When it comes to any new addition to your yard, the
most unforgiving element is time. So when you consider
incorporating a climber to your arsenal of color, plan
ahead and choose wisely, because vines will appear
unkempt and become a distraction if allowed to over- or
under-whelm its new home. Remember, if you build it
and you plant it, they will climb it.
Remember, it never hurts to seek professional advice. You
can reach Bob Siren at Diamond Hill Garden Center at
540-297-7009 or email
You have to be climbing me!
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