Gardening Tips & Tricks

Climbing Plants

Climbing plants make a wonderful addition to any garden as they do not need a great deal of space and have many varied uses. These plants are so versatile they can be used to cover a pergola or water tank, twine through lattice to create a privacy screen or windbreak, provide tasty fruit or even cover an unsightly tree stump. Climbers are generally quick growing, easy to maintain and best of all, there are so many varieties to choose from you are sure to find what you are looking for. Boyds Bay Garden World stocks many varieties of climbers including species not commonly grown and is always getting new and interesting varieties in store.

For a truly spectacular climber you can’t go past Kennedia rubicunda ‘Native Running Postman’ or Kennedia nigricans ‘Black Coral Pea’. These climbers are so easy to grow and have the most stunning flowers, making a truly beautiful addition to any garden. The dusky red flowers of the Native Running Postman contrast well with the light green foliage while the black and yellow flowers of the Black Coral Pea add interest and variety to the garden.

The highly ornamental climber Clerodendron thomsonae, the ‘Bleeding Heart Vine’, is about to burst into flower. This spectacular plant is an old favourite, admired from generation to generation and still has its charm and beauty that has been enjoyed for many years. The variegated species of Pandorea jasminoides ‘Wendy’ has stunning pink flowers on a variegated leaf vine. The variegated foliage gives interest all year round and brightens up a dark spot in the garden. Adding Searles Real Compost to the soil and fertilising with Organic Life will ensure this plant grows healthy and lush. For a splash of colour to brighten up the patio or pool area, you can’t go past Bougainvillea ‘Bambino’, the dwarf growing variety. These plants look fantastic in pots and require minimal care. Applying Searles Bougainvillea plant food twice a year will ensure bigger, brighter blooms and healthy lush foliage. Like perfume in the garden? Why not plant a Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chinese Star Jasmine’. This climber gets smothered in small, white star shaped flowers that fills the garden and delights the senses with a beautiful jasmine fragrance. This plant is extremely hardy and grows well in full sun to part shade.

Why not plant a climber that bears fruit. These plants do the job of covering a fence or pergola and give the added benefit of producing delicious edible fruit. Passionfruit is one variety that is so easy to grow and only requires a sunny position in humus rich well drained soil to produce delicious fruit. Grape vines are fantastic for growing over a patio to provide summer shade and winter sun. Why not plant a couple of Kiwi fruit vines for a wonderful taste sensation. You will need to plant both a female and male plant for pollination so ensure you have plenty of room for the plants to grow.

Climbing plants are easy to maintain and depending on your species, it is recommended to prune the climber to encourage thick, bushy growth. Some vines are much quicker to grow than others so make sure that your pruning regime takes different species growth habits into consideration.

In store now is a huge variety of climbers so come on in and see for yourself, just how lovely and different these plants can be. Our qualified staff are happy to assist you find the right climber for your garden.