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Tough Climbers
Seen against a whitewashed wall it evokes the Mediterranean; against a lush green background, the tropics. Its vibrantly coloured flowers (actually bracts) are seen from Greece to Parnell and Nelson to Florida. An immensely tough plant that is widely used as a 'motorway plant' in some countries, bougainvillea will survive in most soils but prefers a sunny position. Do not over water or over-fertilise.
A strong growing plant that needs a sturdy support bougainvillea responds well to pruning - prune hard and remove twiggy growth after flowering as it flowers on new wood. As it is a thorny beast you should be careful of planting it close to steps, areas for dining out or play areas. There are several lovely cultivars available, 'Scarlett O'Hara' and 'Mary Palmer' are well known.
Bougainvillea is happy in a container, and will in fact flower more profusely if confined than if over-fed and over-watered! If you don't have a mild climate you can plant bougainvillea in a pot and move it into a sheltered, frost-free position for the winter.
Petrea volubilis, queens wreath or sandpiper vine, will cover your old garage lean-to or a length of unattractive fencing as it grows to 6.0m by 6.0m wide. It grows in light soil and full sun (it will malinger in shade) and it dislikes wind. Established plants are able to cope with dry period but water regularly until it becomes established.
Unusual Climbers
Lapageria rosea, the Chilean bellflower, and its white form (Lapageria rosea var. albiflora) have lovely, perfectly formed bells of rose-red or white in mid/late summer. Each flower will last for several weeks. This twining vine needs warmth and a cool root run, and is said to be intolerant of any but the slightest frosts, although it is often found happily growing in protected positions in gardens in Dunedin and Christchurch, for instance, where frosts are commonplace! There are named cultivars available of both the red and white forms.
Tecomanthe speciosa is a very special New Zealand plant. In 1946 botanists found one specimen surviving in the Three Kings Islands. All the plants we have today have descended from this plant. It is a strong growing twining climber that needs a stout arch or pergola for support. The glossy green leaves are wonderful, but it is the clusters creamy tubular flowers in spring that are so marvellous. Tecomanthe needs a rich, moist soil and shaded roots.
A related plant from New Guinea, Tecomanthe venusta, is also available, and although it needs a warmer climate is worth growing for the clusters of waxy pink flowers in spring.
Gloriosa supberba 'Rothschildiana' is a spectacular climbing lily. The tubers are winter dormant and liable to damage or rotting in heavy soils so great care should be taken to protect them for the flowers are simply gorgeous- red and yellow with reflexed petals and prominent stamens. Exotic and colourful and evocative of the tropics- the envy of cold climate gardeners for whom this is a conservatory plant!
Spectacular Colour
Thunbergia grandiflora, the blue trumpet vine, blooms from summer through autumn and has clusters of soft lilac-blue flowers (below) on a twining stem, a striking an unusual colour on a sub-tropical climber. It will reach 4.5m and more and is best suited to a trellis or arbour. It needs a moist, quite warm climate and is best suited to gardens in the far north. Plant in a good soil away from strong winds and water well. T. grandiflora 'Alba', with larger, white flowers, is also available.
Podranea ricasoliana or 'Port St John creeper' is a vigorous climber often used to clothe an arch or arbour. The abundant clusters of soft pink flowers from summer into autumn and wisteria like foliage are especially attractive. It needs a good, rich soil, plenty of sunshine, a warm climate and a frost-free winter. Water well in dry periods.
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Bougainvillea against a lush green background evokes the tropics
Bougainvillea's vibrantly coloured flowers are actually bracts
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Gloriosa supberba 'Rothschiliana'
Petrea volubilis
Lapagreia rosea
Tecomanthe speciosa
Thunbergia grandiflora
'Thunbergia grandiflora' covers an archway | |
