Need a plant to cover a metal fence

Just for fun Madahhlia..................

Can a C.montana honestly compare with this?

 

It's nice, I agree. Very, very nice, even.

But can a single flower compare with this?
http://www.cfgphoto.com/data/media/1317/CLI0019.jpg

 

The link didn't work - told me it was unauthorized!

P.exoniensis isn't really relevant to this post as it's borderline hardy, but I had to fight the Passiflora corner in the face of a Clematis invasion (literally in the case of C.montana!).

As I said - just for fun!

 

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/460426150_329da78779.jpg

Well, any pic will do, they're all gorgeous. Hope this one is legal!

Now, for fair comparison, could we have a pic of the entire plant of P. exoniensis to see if it's up to the job? ;-)

 

I think that I already conceded defeat on that front!

I wondered what the original poster thought of it as I do have an idea.........

 

I think Madahlia is right about passiflora. The individual flowers are interesting (in the case of caerulea more interesting than beautiful, in my opinion) but the plant itself is an incurable straggler which produces miles of bald, wiry stems. Training and shaping helps a bit, but doesn't cure the problem. The winter/early spring-flowering clematis, Clematis balearica, often sold under the name of 'Freckles' has nice ferny foliage all year round and pretty flowers at a time of year when there is nothing much else to look at. However, I have found it to be a stronger grower than many books suggest and it does need to be kept in check from time to time.

 

Clematis balearica - now that is one Clem that I do like! Is it a Clematis that doesn't end up with no growth at the bottom?

 

I'd does go a bit bare at the bottom - but it is not as bad as some. Also, if you prune old, woody stems hard you soon get lush new growth forming.

 

Now, if they get bare at the bottom - and that is a fair accusation to make of any clematis - I just try and grow it behind or over something so I don't notice.

Anyway, there's no point in comparing apples and pears.

We need to know
a. what Longk's idea is, and
b. what ajfy2k thinks, now we've got his garden sewn up for him!

 

The plan is - take a length of 12mm steel rod, bend it to form an arc which is then attached to the metal fence. Then buy two P. exoniensis (one for each side) and grow in pots up this metal arch.
What you'll end up with is this (not the best photo).............


Admittedly, this plan does require the winter protection of the Passiflora, but then I could "allow" you ladies your Clematis in ajfy2k's garden!!!

 

Still undecided

Ok im still undecided,

thinking clematis montana for the better year round foliage,

which of the two is best in the shade as the trees to keep it very shaded down there?

Also when should I actual buy/plant them?

Thanks again,

ash

 

Ha ha bit girly for my garden I think, but thanks anyway

 

Ah. The clematis won't be shaded for long as it will rapidly rise to the top of your trees, like cream. It will not be staying obediently down on the fence once it gets going. So that might help you with your decision.

You could plant them now, but not if it gets frosty. You can buy them now but they will be bare twigs in the pot, hopefully with a helpful picture attached.

 

Most flowers are girly! (And what's wrong with girly??) Except perhaps those amorphophallus things, they're definitely not girly.

Sounds like you need something more controllable as well as shade-tolerant so passion flower or honeysuckle would both fit the bill. But I wouldn't recommend Honeysuckle japonica Halliana unless you want a wild effect.

 

Passiflora do best in full sun (unless being grown under glass), and as I said earlier (I think I did) are best against a wall to prevent wind roaring through it.

Madahhlia - check this Amorphus out (and the price!)...........

Amorphophallus ferruginotuberosus --- www.rareplants.de