Advice for Growing a 'Creeper' on Wall

[dbdb]

We have a climbing Hydrangea on part of the front (North) and West facing wall - it looks lovely both in the summer when it is covered with white flowers and in the winter when the bark is very attractive. It grows well, but needs pruning round windows and at the top every couple of years. We used to have a wisteria on the rear wall (South facing) but I removed it since it was blind and absolutely rampant. I regretted planting it. The wall still ahs the ancient Honeysuckle on it that the Wisteria was supposed to replace. It is somewhat moribund though these days. The east wall has a vey large and ancient climbing rose. It is a traditional one, so I wonder if it is the rootstock from a climbing rose planted decades ago. It is lovely, whatever it is. Some years back I also tried to grow a Passionflower on the back wall. It didn't survive its first winter, so I suspect I live too far North.

I really wouldn't want to live in a house with no climbers on the walls. They look so sterile to me.

[Chicken Chaser]

Trachelospermum Jasminoides. Look for the white flowered variety rather than the yellow one. I have a number of these now as theyre evergreen, and the leaves change to a red hue in winter. Theyre not particularly fast growing, but they can grow to a significant size. I was told that they would only grow on south and west facings, but I've found 2 of my best on a North and East facing wall. Looks like i've lost a couple of the yellow variety, and I dont think theyre hardy enough for the Northern England climate. I think the wind has got the better of these.

If that doesnt float your boat, then get Boston Ivy. Its not like English Ivy because its not invasive and wont damage brickwork. Its fast growing, thick and luscious when green and looks incredible in red in autumn.

For a north facing wall, again deciduous, but a climbing Hydrangea Petiolaris makes for a good climber. Its a bit slow to start but will then spread quickly. Not invasive either.

[Q Car]

Marvtec said:

Can you explain why it's useful on a north facing wall?

When I moved in my house had wisteria growing up the house (north facing wall). I removed it as it was all around the guttering and downpipe and rooted directly next to the downpipe.

However since then, that wall has got damp, would the vegetation on the outside have helped in some way or is it just a coincidence?

It's useful from the point of view that it is one of the few climbers that copes with the exposure and thrives on a north facing wall.

[Risotto]

There's a care home in my area that for years had artificial ivy on the front. It looked quite effective and might be worth investigating, particularly if you're not a keen gardener.

EDIT - Some of it looks quite convincing, I found this stuff on eBay:

Edited by Risotto on Monday 27th February 16:05

[biggiles]

Some roses might be suitable also- try looking up Rambling Rector as a starting point.