What do I do with this plant?

Hi all,

I have this plant which I planted last year and this year I have lost control over it and dont know what to do with it. :(

I cant remember the name but it gives a beautiful scent. It looks like it has a structure of the wisteria so I have a feeling that it needs to hang on something but not really sure because it doesnt have any clingyness like edera on it... or if it should be cut back.

I put a couple of pics so you can see.





Thank you all...

 

Not sure what it is - the pictures aren't really close enough - but I'm sure someone else will know. However, I wouldn't cut it back until after it's flowered. Best to either bang a strong stake in behind it or tie it back to the fence.

 

Could post close up pics of the leaves/flowers please?

 

It looks as though it is crying out for some type of trellis support. It's rather lovely and it has perfume too? Hope someone can identifyit - rather desirable,

 

Thank you all for your replies so far. I ll take a close up picture as soon as it stops raining!! :(

 

Buddleia alternifolia.
My parents have one, it grows massively and would to begin with appreciate a trellis/support although after 40 years theirs is now self supporting

 

I've had a look through one of my reference books. The only plants I can find that are similar are 'Amorpha' and 'Indigofera'.

 

Beat me to it! Agree with Buddleja alternifolia. Ours is self supporting, but they do appreciate some support as said. Lovely shrub though. There is a fabulous weeping standard one at Hidcote, in the Orchard.

 

Thank you all yes I remember now the name is Buddleia the flowers are already coming out and it smells lovely.

So what kind of trellis should i buy, there are so many out there.... Rectangular, square panels, triangular, pyramid shaped....

Can i train it to go over the fence....dropying on the side?
Can i and should i cut the lower branches??


Thanks again

 

Why don't you put two thick pieces of wood either side of it, and then have wire going across to tie the plant to? Suppose it will be easier to remove once the plant's free-standing!

 

I agree with Kyle. But would go further to say that you already have two fence posts behind. Just stretch some heavy duty wire between them and tie the plant to the wires. If its a Buddleja its probably a very strong grower and I am sure you could trim it to shape now - even though there may be a better time of the year for doing it.

 

This has nothing to do with your question Pinkfinger. I took a photo last year in our garden which is very similar to your profile photo.
I can't seem to upload it directly (same prob as other posters - upload bar goes right across, but no photo) so here's the photobucket link:

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab280/jardinera_photos/creatures/P7220003.jpg

 

Thanks all. I have now fixed it like this, what do you think?



Also, when you say that the plant will self support, how tall and how much will it really grow?

 

Hi Lorea. I think that pic and insect is really cute however in real life im not sure id be brave enough to actually hold it

 

Hi Pinkfinger. It's a baby praying mantis. We usually have a few of them in the garden in the summer - they go from green to brown as they get older. I think they're generally considered to be allies in the garden, although it is true that they're not fussy eaters and do eat other allies: I also took this photo of one eating a bee