Today’s Garden Ideas | I Discovered How To Train Climbing Vines…Now I’m Revealing My Secret

I Discovered How To Train Climbing Vines…Now I’m Revealing My Secret

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

To grow climbing vines you first need to get your vine off to a good start. It is best to start your vine on the main trellis or gazebo rather than transferring it at a later time. Once your climbing vines have reached your goal be sure to prune your climbing vines to keep them climbing in the right direction.

Vine Adherence

Climbing vines adhere to surfaces in four different ways; adhesive discs, adhesive rootlets, tendrils and twining stems. Different surfaces suit the different adherence structures of the climbing vines.

click on picture to enlarge

Some climbing vines have adhesive discs. These discs are like little suction cups that grow at the end of small roots. The suction cups help the climbing vines adhere to flat surfaces. These plants grow very well on walls. Some of the more common climbing vines of this type are Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper.

Climbing vines with adhesive rootlets use these sticky rootlets to grab onto flat surfaces. These climbing vines also work best on flat surfaces. Some aerial rootlet climbing vines include Trumpet Vine and Climbing Hydrangea.

Tendrils are used by climbing vines like fingers. They reach out, grasp, and curl themselves around the support object like a trellis. Some examples of tendril climbing vines includes Sweet Pea and Clematis.

The twining stem of a climbing vine winds itself in and out of its support. These climbing vines work well on heavy trellises and posts. Wisteria and Bougainvillea are very colorful examples of twining climbing vines.

Picking the Correct Climbing Structure

When choosing a structure for you climbing vine to cling be sure to choose one that will support the mature plant. A delicate vine, like Clematis needs a support with closely spaced openings. Wisteria, with its thick stems needs a heavy widely spaced structure to support its weight. You must also keep in mind the climate your support structures will be exposed to. Be sure to use pressure treated wood for your climbing vines. Redwood and cedar also work well as they are rot resistant.

click on picture to enlarge

Planting Your Vine

To start you climbing vine dig a hole twice as wide as the original pot and about 7 inches away from the support. Mix the soil from the hole with peat or compost or some other nutrient rich organic material. Place the vine in the hole so that the tops of the leaves of the climbing vine face away from the wall. Re-fill the hole. If not using a wall as a support install your support at this time. Remember be sure the object you use will be able to support the climbing vine when it matures. Place your support about 6 inches from the fence or wall if there is one behind your climbing vine. Tie the stems of the vine to the support placing the twisted sides of the tie to the back of trellis so they will not be seen.

Seasonal Care

As the vine grows be sure to prune it back to the desired area. Fertilize your vine in spring. Prune woody vines in fall or winter. Other climbing vines can be pruned anytime during the growing season.

Most climbing vines are natural growers and will need very little maintenance to help them climb their way to new heights. So with the exception of a little fertilizer and some pruning these climbing vines will be yours to enjoy for years to come.

click on picture to enlarge