Space for climbers?

I've planted a few plants with some success but I am less confident with climbers. We now have a narrow space at the back of our patio (30cm wide). It adjoins a brick wall which we have attached large trellies to. The plan was to grow the climbers so they eventually cover the trellis wall area but I'm concerned that the space isn't wide enough.

Would it be better to grow the climbers in smaller pots near the wall instead?

Any suggestions for evergreen and seasonal climbers that could quickly cover the trellis would be very welcome (alkaline, fairly sandy soil in an area that gets partial sunlight, east facing).

Thanks

 

30cm is not enough for a plant against a wall Kai. There is likely to be a foundation for that wall which will restrict root growth and the area will get very little rain. Small pots aren't ideal either as the plant will drain the soil of nutrients very quickly.

 

I've planted all of my clematis in pots.... deep ones.... against walls with trellis... I'm worried now! If they are fed well Sheal will this be ok?

 

Deep pots aren't enough unless the width is roughly the same Apple Blossom. Clematis doesn't need as much room as other climbers like roses, hydrangeas etc. but the bigger the pots the better for any plant. Feed them regularly during spring and summer to replace nutrients. Plants need to be watered more often when they are in pots which in turn flushes out the food you may have given the plant.

 

A lot to think about there..... I have concrete all around the property so pots were the only answer to add colour to walls etc..... my pots are as big as deep and square so that they sit on the wall and I have put mulch on the top and crystals to retain moisture, but I agree I will look into slow release feed for them unless you can suggest something

 

Sorry Kia to sabotage your post but it was just so related to what I have done

 

Your pots sound fine Apple Blossom. I don't know whether slow release fertiliser for perennial plants works. I've only ever heard of it used for annuals. I feed all my plants with tomato food and sometimes use Miracle-Gro for annuals in baskets/planters.

 

I do the same, but there must be something out there for perennial plants..... that's it .... I'm on the case now Don't want to loose all the plants I've purchased through lack of feed. I will in the interim do as you have suggested and feed them tomorite, thank you for that Sheal, if I find something I will let you know

 

I've used vitax clematis feed this year and found it to be very good. About a fiver for a decent sized box of pellets.

 

I've got two clematis in deep, square pots against a wall. They've been growing like that for over 3 years now. They're doing fine @merleworld

 

What about putting troughs along the wall ?
You can get nice ones now , wood ( with trellis attached ) or metal. We've got a metal one about 4' long, 18" wide and 2' deep ( high ).

 

I must have been half asleep when I posted yesterday Apple Blossom. Those of my plants in large pots and in beds I scatter some chicken manure pellets around. I don't put them in baskets though as I think they may be a little to strong regarding the nutrients they contain.

 

Ive got a clematis i planted right next to the footings approx 12 inch away from house wall and its done great on its 2nd yr i have a box trellis next to it that it clings too x