Climbers with non invasive roots
Hi,
I would like to plant a climber that will grow up a trellis on a large external garage wall (8 metres wide by 2 metres high) (full sun/partial shade). I would like something that doesn't have invasive roots as I don't want to run the risk of damaging our garage foundations.
Our local countil garden stocks Clematis - The President, Lonicera - Belgica, Fallopia - Baldschuanica, Lonicera -Dropmore Scarlet, Lycium - Barbarum. Do you think that any of these would be suitable?
Also would you recommend planting a variety of climbers that flower at different times of the year so that there is always some colour?
I am a complete garden novice so any advice would be greatly appreciated 
Thank you,
Sara
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Hi Sara I`ve grown loads of Clematis and they do make deep roots but I`ve never known them to interfere with foundations, they`re more likely to go down beneath them as they like a shady root run and sun on their heads. Fastest grower in your selection is Fallopia otherwise know as Mile a minute vine which can easily get out of hand, Clematis are much more controllable. The President has an AGM and grows to about 3m and is in Group 2 pruning for Clematis which means it needs light pruning in late winter early spring, looking from the top down to find a healthy bud to prune above, as it flowers on the previous years growth. Late flowering and viticella Clematis are easier to prune as you just cut them right back in early spring as they flower on growth made the same year. Lonicera/Honeysuckle Belgica also flowers quite early in summer and is fragrant and will eventually grow to about 4m. You can get Clematis that flower at all different times of year so could have several different ones to keep the colour going and there are even scented ones if you hunt them out. Alternatively get some permanent climbers and fill in with annual climbers for colour/scent grown from seed ie. sweet peas. Good luck!
I'd go Clematis armandii for evergreen foliage and spring flowers (like some sun) and Clematis texensis 'Etoile Rose' for late summer/autumn flowering. Loads of choice though, I'd only avoid the C. montana varieties which tend to be a bit rampant.
Self clinging Hydrangea petiolaris is really nice too (doesn't need a trellis).
Thank you very much for your help
Lonicera roots can do dreadful damage to drains, as we (and our insurance company) know to our cost.
For autumn colour, you could plant a Virginia creeper, although it's bare in winter.