GROW VERTICALLY WITH CLIMBING PLANTS

Climbing plants can be used for many purposes apart from just looking great. Naturally the plants will need a support to climb such as a trellis or arch, but they can also be used to make a screen to cover an ugly shed or any other object you wish to hide. Alternatively if you are short of space climbing plants that clamber up your wall or fence will extend the growing area. I found this article which gives a good introduction to climbing plants.

Climbing plants can add an extra dimension to your yard or garden by providing a contrast to the horizontal layout of your flowerbeds and borders. Climbers can be used to cover an arbor or trellises on a wall or fence. Although most prefer a position in full sun, it is possible to grow many climbing plants in shade. When buying a climber you need to check how high it will grow since the height varies widely between varieties.

Here is a list of some common climbing plants:

Clematis. Although some varieties grow to a height of just six feet, most range from ten up to thirty feet. C. montana, a popular variety, can reach 40 feet depending on its position. You can get more information though books or calling a local gardening store.

Hedera (ivy). H. helix or common ivy can grow between 50-100 feet high, and although it can be useful for ground cover or to hide an unsightly wall or shed, this variety tends to be more trouble than it is worth. There are other varieties which are not so vigorous which reach a maximum height of 20-30 feet.

Ipomea (morning glory). The plants range from 6-10 feet tall. They are mostly grown as half-hardy annuals either in the greenhouse or outside in the perennial border.

Jasminum. J. nudiflorum or winter-flowering jasmine grows to a height of 10 feet whereas J. officinale, the common white jasmine, can grow up to 30 feet high.

Lonicera (honeysuckle). L. hildebrandiana, a greenhouse variety, grows up to 60 feet or more but the other varieties range from 8-30 feet high.