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Wisteria growing on house

The ultimate guide to climbing plants

The space between the natural world and the one we choose to construct in bricks and mortar is, metaphorically and physically, never closer than in the case of climbing plants!

However, deciding on which are right for you may depend on the direction your walls face, the maintenance you’re willing to give them, and whether their appearance matches with your property type. After all, what works on a thatched cottage in a village may well look out of place on a modern urban estate.

Placement and maintenance

While outdoor climbing plants appear to have a life of their own, the truth is they’ll need help along the way if they are to flourish:

  • Wall consideration: You’d assume outdoor climbers need to face south or sit on southwest walls to get the sunlight they need (as well as heat from bricks for growth), yet in much the same way as a few people prefer a drizzly day to a sunny one, so too will some plants want to be away from direct sunlight. The likes of the hydrangea, pileostegia, decumaria and schizophragma all do well on a north-facing or shady wall, so research well before you delve in.
  • Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained, with container plants requiring frequent and focused watering to ensure climbers survive and thrive.
  • Planting: If not using planters, dig a hole in the soil that’s at least 30cm away from the wall. Mix in compost or wellrotted manure, lean the climber towards the wall, and watch the magic commence!
  • Support: While these plants are all adept in reaching vertically to express themselves, some will need horizontal support, so don’t be afraid to use a trellis or wire to secure what can be a weighty plant to the wall.

Popularity

The most popular climbing plants in the UK are:

Climbing plant on arch

  • Wisteria sinensis
    A south or west facing wall is a particularly great place to grow sunloving climbers, while the glorious Chinese Wisterias are another step beyond. They’ll grow to around 5m tall, with twisting, woody vines and purple-blue flowers.
  • Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’
    For a rather shadier vista, the Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’ is a good choice. This ivy is quintessentially British – green in colour with golden yellow edging, brightening up the dullest of walls.
  • Virginia creeper ‘Henryana’
    Far from sounding like a serial murderer from a few centuries back who terrorised the Eastern coast of the United States, the Virginia Creeper is perfect for covering an unsightly wall quickly, growing thick and fast, up to 10m high and 5m wide.
  • Honeysuckle ‘Halliana’
    The Honeysuckle ‘Halliana’ is an evergreen that offers constancy and contentment, not least to the wildlife it attracts, especially during colder months.