Can Clematis + Ivy Cohabit ?

I have a few clematis which do very well . I have a west facing fence in part of my garden which is covered in Ivy . I have planted a few clematis over the years , which have done nothing ! The obvious struck me this week ( it does take a bit of time these days ! ) but can Clematis and Ivy grow together ? Or does the Ivy stifle the clematis ?

TIA

 

My neighbour grows both together along our adjoining wall and I'm plagued by both! The Ivy is dense and provides the foundation for the Clem (plus the Jasmine and Eccromocarpus scaber that I've added).

 

I have both growing quite close together so I don't think there is a problem in that respect but I wonder how your clematis is supported? Ivy will hold tight to the fence so maybe there is nothing for the Clematis to use for support, it needs to have something to entwine on, be it a support you've provided (trellis/netting) or the free growing branches or stems of other plants.

 

I have found ivy to be a lot more vigorous, and could well smother the Clematis.
There are some fast grwoing, big Clems, so I guess you will have to choose one of those - Perhaps Cl montana.

 

Yes, next doors Ivy does smother the old growth (which tends to look bare when it ages anyway) but the new growth will grow out through the Ivy to the surface.

 

I agree with Sirius.....you might need a clematis that can compete with the ivy. Clematis montana Elizabeth is nice and could hold it's own but it is a vigorous one.

 

Unfotunately the clematis that are struggling are Armandii and Montana ! I know , I am the only person in the UK who struggles with Montana
I think the end of this season I will cut the Ivy right back , I am not that keen on it . It just looks a little better than a fence panel

 

Perhaps you could loosen the Ivy by pulling some sections of the stems away from the fence and then push the Clematis stems into the gap to give them a hold.

 

I think I will try that @westwales this year . I'll trim the Ivy back and try and sort out something for the clematis to grow onto. I can then plant my Dahlia bed and let the clematis get on with it !

 

How long have you had the Armandii @HarryS ? just wondering because it's taken over 3 years for mine to actually make a move but is now going for it,here it would more than likely smother the ivy Lovely climber though

 

A little story there Loli , I bought the Armandii when @ARMANDII joined the forum in 2011 !
And 2011 was not a good year for the new members we got !

 

Funny that Harry,I did the same

Cheeky

 

He must of been on commission Loli !

 

Here is ours...................