Climbing plants are among the most useful plants in the garden. Evergreen climbers are great when grown to provide privacy or to cover an old fence or building. Climbers come in a vast array of foliage shapes and sizes, from lush tropical dark green leaves to green and cream variegated ones.
Planting Calendar
Climbers are best planted from Spring through to the end of Autumn.
Prepare
Position
Climbers can grow in a variety of positions, some prefer shade and others like sun. Talk to the team at your local store they will assist you in choosing the right plant for your space.
Soil
When planted into the ground climbers like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus Fertiliser then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Some climbers like mandevilla like protection from cold winds. All climbers need a strong frame or support to climb up and over.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Aphids, Scale and Mites are the main culprits, these can be kept under control by spraying at first sign of the insect with Groventive Garden or for a organic option spray with Bugtrol.
Pruning
Prune to shape after flowering, remove any dead or damaged branches and old flowers.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Provide a support when you plant you climber and train it up the fame from the beginning. This can be hard to do if left until the plant has grown.
Expert Tip
Clematis species like to be planted with their roots in the cool shade and able to grow up to the sun. Mulch well this will help keep the soil cool.
Top Varieties
Pyrostegia Venusta
This climber is a must have to provide winter/spring colour. A vigorous grower that is massed with orange trumpet shaped flowers from winter and spring. They prefer shade but can tolerate some sun.
Star Jasmine
With its highly fragrant white flowers produced throughout spring, this evergreen climber can also be grown as a ground cover and will tolerate some shade.
Mandevilla
Provide a touch of the tropics with the tropical mandevilla. Being from the tropics they must be planted in a sunny sheltered position that is free draining. Flowers come in pink, white and bright vivid red. Ideal for container gardening.
Bougainvillea
The famous bouganvilla is a must for any hot and sunny position. Coming in range of flower colours that include, red, pink, orange and white. Bougainvillea require a strong frame to grow along and can tolerate a drier position in the garden.
Clematis
There are native clematis and hybrid species. The hybrid species have huge flowers in a vivid array of colors that make a real show when in bloom. The native species paniculata has white flowers in spring. Some species of clematis are deciduous.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant climbers?
The best time to plant climbers is in spring or autumn when the weather is mild. This allows the plants to establish roots before the hot summer or cold winter.
How often should I water my climbing plants?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Do climbers need to be pruned?
Prune to shape after flowering, remove any dead or damaged branches and old flowers.
Can climbers grow in containers?
Yes, many climbers can grow well in containers, provided they have enough space for their roots and a suitable support structure. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.
What fertiliser should I use for my climbing plants?
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
