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<\/a>Vitis ‘Roger’s Red’ Tendrils<\/p><\/div>\n
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- Tendrils, which are wiry growths from the plant\u2019s stems, can grasp thin supports, e.g., netting or metal grids. Examples include grapes and Sweet Peas.<\/li>\n
- Twiners are stems or leaves that can wrap around wires, strings, twigs, or other stems. Plants that use this method are called \u201cbines.\u201d Clematis, Morning Glory, Jasmine, and Honeysuckle use this method.<\/li>\n
- Scramblers have long, flexible stems that resemble vines, but lack a way to grip a support. Examples include climbing and rambling roses, and bougainvillea. These plants use thorns or prickles as \u201chooks\u201d to assist in climbing, but they need to be tried to a trellis or other support. An interesting option for larger spaces is to use a bougainvillea as a spectacular ground cover.<\/li>\n
- Stickers are adhesive pads or tendrils that stick to many different surfaces. Plants that use this method include Virginia Creeper and its relative, Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata).<\/li>\n
- Stem roots are short, stout roots that grow from the plant\u2019s stems and cling to various surfaces. English and Algerian Ivy use this method, as does Climbing Hydrangea. I planted Algerian Ivy as a ground cover and soon found it growing up a two-story brick chimney. Now I need a tall ladder or scaffold to remove it before it damages the mortar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My garden includes a few climbing roses, one rambling rose, a sweet pea, Evergreen Clematis (c. armandii), Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa), California grape (Vitis \u2018Roger\u2019s Red\u2019, actually a cross of a California a native grape and a commercial variety), rampant Algerian Ivy, and two Australian natives: Cape Arid Kennedia (Kennedia beckxiana \u2018Flamboyant\u2019) and Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana). Four of the five climbing methods are represented among these plants, save only the Sticker method.<\/p>\n
Climbing plants bring variety to the garden, and often contribute color, drama and even challenges to the landscape. They are definitely worth a try, but as always do enough research to avoid surprises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Vitis ‘Roger’s Red’ tendrilsIf your garden needs a dramatic focal point, or a taller feature as contrast for lower-growing plants, or something that will fit into a limited space, consider a climber. Climbers are a fairly large and diverse category … Continue reading