Climber for West Facing Fence Panel

NaseemBanu

I would like to plant a climber against a west-facing fence panel. This fence panel is overlooked by a small, stunted, badly- planted and languishing Oak in the neighbour's garden. (A conker planted by a child and then transplanted by the parent behind a tiny space between my fence and their shed) 

This corner of my garden has a well-established Cherry tree.

I would like to brighten up this corner and have the idea of planting a climber on the final panel. I have done some research and am thinking about a Solanum Jasminoides - a white Potato Vine. 

I would be grateful for  feedback as to whether this is feasible/advisable. The patch of ground under the Cherry is glorious in the Spring, when it is awash with Muscari, Primroses and Anemone Blanda. 

yorkshirerose

 A white Solanum would grow there, it isn't the strongest of climbers, and may be damaged by low temperatures.
There are many other options including, Jasmine, Clematis, Rose. How big is your fence?

ps If a child planted a conker, a  Chestnut tree would grow, not an oak.

Nollie

Is the fence panel shaded by both the oak and the cherry tree? Solanum does prefer a sunny spot, but it is very vigorous when happy and might soon swamp the fence...

NaseemBanu

Many thanks for your prompt replies; 

Rik56, I get what you mean about an established plant making it difficult to replace a fence panel.

Yorkshire Rose, apologies, I meant acorn not conker - it is an Oak. I considered a Clematis, but can't find a long-flowering, white one.

Nollie, yes in the summer it can be pretty shady because of the Cherry tree. The Oak, as I say is small and languishing but does add to the shade. 

I am confused because I read on one particular gardening site that the Solanum does well in shade and that the Solanum Blanda is good for brightening up a dark spot.

Fairygirl

You'll need to make sure any climber has enough water until established, and you'll need to be able to get in and attend to pruning etc, but there are loads which will grow there if you can do that. The moisture is probably the biggest problem due to the proximity of two trees. Some of the clematis which like drier conditions would probably be ideal.
Don't plant right next to the fence though - about a foot to eighteen inches away is ideal. You'll also need some support for it - vine eyes and wire are probably easiest.
It isn't a problem against a fence either  - you just cut the climber down if you need to replace the panel. They'll all regrow. 

mikeymustard

If it's a white, long-flowering clematis you're after, then silver moon might be a good alternative: it's actually a very pale, silvery blue on its first flowering spring to summer then it flowers again late summer into autumn with a slightly darker blue-mauve. Mine is still in flower, though the excessive rain's got to them now. It's very vigorous (this is its first year and it's hit the top of the fence panel twice) but not supposed to grow more than six foot (I think they're lying!) Mine is on a north facing panel, if your fence gets any sun at all it will be happy

Loxley

Solanum prefers sun, it's mad vigorous and forms a bit of an unruly thicket.

Nollie

Some white clematis that will do ok in shade here:

https://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/clematis-will-tolerate-shade/

Fairygirl

I have an alpina Constance which is north west facing, and in a tiny little raised bed. It gets very little sun at all, except in summer when it isn't flowering. Dark pink nodding bells in late winter/spring, and occasionally a few later in the year. They need drier conditions, as do the Koreanas and various others. 
If you look at any of the specialist sites - Taylor's, Thornecroft and Hawthornes, you'll get loads of suitable ones. 

Obelixx

If you can get the soil and watering right, this clematis flowers for 3 months in summer - http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=561 

Silver Moon is very pale and will flower for months if dead headed - http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=416 

If you want something big and blousey - http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=238 

This one is gorgeous, flowers earlier and will do better if the soil is not moist enough for most clems - http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemdetail.cfm?dbkey=696 

You could also consider a repeat flowering rambling rose.  This one is healthy but not too vigorous - https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/rosa-the-albrighton-rambler/ Pale pink, almost white and you will need to enrich the soil.

edhelka

List of climbers recommended for shade, including some roses (although I wouldn't plant a rose there if the soil is dry and poor because of the trees):

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=467