what grows quicker?

a) boston ivy

b) virginia creeper

c) clematis armandii



I want to cover a tralice asap this spring, about 1.8 m tall.



Many Thanks

 

I can't answer your question (though I suspect Virginia Creeper), but I reckon the fastest way to achieve the desired result would be to grow annual climbers as well as perennial ones against the trellis. The annuals will really get a shift on and quickly fill the space, then when winter comes back round they'll die, by which time the perennial ones will have had time to get some good roots down ready to take off next year.

 

Russian grape vine is the thing its got another name called the " mile a minute vine" too usually small white flowers
it can cover an amazing amount of space up very quick :thumb:

 

Its fast, but it should come with a massive warning label on it. Once established, it takes a lot of time and vigilance to keep it under control. I waged war on one in my last garden that was there when we moved in. It took me about 5 years to get rid of it. It had destroyed half the hedge, laid waste to my first few attempts at a border, lifted the tiles off the old outhouse roof, and generally deserved an ASBO because it also invaded my neighbour's, and their neighbour's gardens.

It roots very easily too, so any unnoticed vines that come into contact with the ground, often take root so you think you've got the main plant under control, then suddenly spot it attacking from a different angle.

I think it has its place, it is really nice when its in full bloom and it serves its purpose well for quickly covering anything that needs to be covered, but it is a menace if you turn your back. It actually got me quite paranoid at one point, when I'd give it a severe haircut, go out for the day, come home and I swear it had mostly grown back. Go on holiday for a week and you'll come back to find the neighbourhood under siege.

 

I would second Armandii on that. I planted one 2 years ago and it covered a big chunk of fence in the first year. It flowers prolifically for such a long time and the fluffy seed heads are just gorgeous too.

 

I am looking for a clematis to cover a fence/trellis. I was going for a Montana..........but you and Alice have put the Armandii in the frame now . Does it flower twice in a year , my clematis site shows only one flowering March to May ?
TIA

 

SOLD ! Who do I make the cheque out to ? :D
There is a clue in your name though . My friend has one of these, I remember admiring it last year lovely leaves and flowers. I have just won £20 in the pub quiz , so that should buy one this Sunday
Thanks to Alice and you for the recommendation.