Get good tips on growing and buying perennials, climbing plants for your garden

Hanging garden plants

These are plants which have long, flexible shoots that do not climb but rather hang down. They are suitable for hanging containers, balcony boxes or large tall containers. Hanging plants can also grow upwards if tied to a support.

Garden Ramblers

Ramblers develop prickles ( such as Bougainvillea), thorns ( for example Blackberries and climbing roses) or barbed lateral shoots which allow them to hold onto support structures. Shoots can be tied to a support structure to assist the plant to climb.

Climbing plants Sun Vs Shade

Most climbing plants grow well in bright light. However this does not mean that all favour sunny positions. The Clemantis hybrids Lonicera species grow in woodland clearings and along wood edges.

Some Climbing plants require more warmth. Even if they are grown in a sheltered place they will still grow as long as it is warm. The Wisteria Siensis) from China and Campsis radicans grow comfortably in warm positions.

Others prefer growth in a humid area. Included in this category are the climbing horensia( Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) and Ivy (Hedera spp). They grow quiet well in semi-shady to shady areas. Thus these plants will not grow successfully in north facing positions.

Shaded feet

Due to their light-hungry nature climbing plants grow upwards quickly, sending there shoots in area they choose. However species such as Clemantis hybrids require shaded feet. This is because they cannot transport enough water to the tips of their roots in bright sunlight conditions. Campsis species should be surrounded with low-growing bush shrubs so that the shrubs can provide shade for the roots. A perfect under planting for Clemantis is the evergreen lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Climbing plants and the green curtain

Some people do not appreciate a lot of greenery around their home. This is because a dense growth of leaves normally encourages spiders and other creepy crawlers to invade the house. However most of these unwarranted visitors are useful and keep insects such as mosquitoes and flies under control. A dense growth of leaves usually also encourages birds to settle in your patio or balcony.

Tips on buying climbing plants

You can purchase climbing plants in different ways. You can obtain annuals in the spring. Seeds are planted early in nurseries and will have gained a good size and many shoots capable of producing flowers by the time they are taken outside.

Container plants are propagated in pots and sold in them. There are usually weed free and roots are spread out evenly throughout the pot. However there are expensive. Climbing plants sold with their root stocks are less expensive. The root stock will normally be wrapped in Hessian or jute sacking. Plants with loose root systems are the cheapest, however they are a lot harder to plant.

The larger and more mature a plant is the more expensive it will become. If you are working under a tight budget you can grow your own climbing hanging plants from seed. You can find climbing plants in supermarkets although this is not always the best place to buy them as there are normally of low quality. Its best to purchase your plants from garden centers or top class nurseries where the plants originated from. There are also specialist staff to consultant regarding gardening matters.