Suggestions for climbers in sub-optimal location

D C

Good morning,

I was wondering if anybody has some suggestions for some climbing plants please. It follows on from a previous question of mine. I cut back some very large conifers that are on the border of my property. I have gained a huge amount of garden, but lost quite a bit of privacy. I have built a trellis all along the line of the trees, and would like to get some climbers to go up it, cover it, and restore my privacy in the garden.

It is my understanding that conifers have quite an effect on the quality of the soil. They will also catch a fair bit of the rain water before it hits the ground near the trellis. I do know ivy grows there, because it is already growing there, and I have guided some of it onto the trellis. The good news is that the whole trellis faces south, with the remaining trees on the northern side.

Apart from ivy, is there anything I would be able to grow up against this, do you think? Ideally something that maintains its leaves all year round?

Thank you very much for your help.

Borderline

The Ivy will hopefully fill the background which is important. It's very hard to have evergreen plants that can stay that way throughout the year in a hot dry position and also add height. Fremontodendron Californicum can be left to grow to a height or carefully trained in. This shrub can get quite untidy if not pruned carefully to always create new shoots. Solanum Crispum 'Glasnevin' is semi-evergreen if planted with back protection, but again, also needs careful pruning every year to keep it vigorated, otherwise it will turn into a tangle. I think Ivy is one of the best options in creating that lush evergreen look.

wrightt

I have a Boston ivy growing in my conifers and it goes a beautiful red in autumn before the leaves fall. I have also successfully planted under the conifers which are Cupressocyparis leylandii which I have raised the crown of. Plant underneath are cornus, Diervilla lonicera, srubby fushias, Euphorbias, with primulas and bulbs.