Will our Parthenocissus tricuspidata submit and comply?

Currently building a structure which we would like, eventually, to see covered (so as not to see it) with a Parthenocissus tricuspidata; as this is a vigorous plant which I don’t want to see invading the garden the way our now defunct bamboo tried to do, I have constructed a reinforced wooden planter (87cm X 35cm X29cm) made of treated offcuts from my wife’s pleasure platform.

We are hoping to use only one plant (“petit oiseau deviendra grand”), positioned centrally between the two back posts (*) which we assume will split itself and go in opposite directions as we train them to reach the respective posts and then climb up and around as we bend them to our will (?).

Would you say this splitting is feasible?
Are the dimensions of the planter sufficient to accommodate the root system as it develops?
Once the structure is fully covered, we would control any further growth, but what would that do the root system (it wouldn’t "explode", would it?)?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

(*) (the posts are 78cm apart)

 

Shouldn't be any problem dividing the growth, as long as you've got access. You'll need to water it copiously and regularly, though, as it's in a container. It will probably be a lot less vigorous than one planted in the ground.

 

Thank you so much, Noisette, for your prompt and comprehensive reply; on being shown it, my wife, LawAndBorder, said “oh, I like less vigorous" (as we are both “once bitten, twice shy” regarding invasive plants).

We shall certainly heed your advice re: copious watering.

The planter is in situ, the plant is arriving on Tuesday, hopefully eager to rise to the posts ... we shall keep you posted.

Did you try the Hazelnut Meringue Cake?

Gratefully yours,

LawnAndOrder and LawAndBorder

 

And here is the petit oiseau.
Will the container be big enough to sustain a plant we are hoping will cover the entire frame which is growing daily and should eventually sustain LawAndBorder's "Hanging Gardens": an avalanche of flowers tumbling over the edges of some (total number not yet known) hanging baskets which are planned for next year?

We are currently making a mock-up, so it's all a bit higgledy-piggledy.

Having discovered that sphagnum moss has a negative impact on the environment, does anyone know of a visually viable substitute?

 

The size of the container isn't critical, it's the amount of water and (to a lesser extent) food that will determine it's rate of growth. What is of concern, though, is the scarcity of surface for it to stick to! Parthenocissus climbs by means of small suckers that attach themselves to the support. It's only going to have those uprights to go at. It might, with time, form a 'curtain' effect from the top beams....
Re. the moss. Get pally with someone with a mossy lawn who doesn't treat it before scarifying!