There’s no need for lots of space when you can easily grow these VERTICAL BEAUTIES
CLEVER COMBO
Create an absolute showstopper by growing two or three climbers together in a container up a teepee support. Try the Half-hardy Climber Collection of rhodochiton ‘Purple Bells’ and thunbergia ‘African Sunset’, Height 2.4m Spread 50cm, £18.95/10 jumbo seedlings sarahraven.com
TWINER OR CLINGER?
Climbers that twine their stems or leaves around wires and trellis such as clematis, jasmine and honeysuckle will need you to tie them in so they’re supported. Self-clingers like ivy and climbing hydrangeas, which use their aerial roots or sticky pads to cling to a surface, need hardly any support once established but they can grow really big if left unpruned. There are also those like wisteria and climbing roses that don’t twine or cling. They need their stems tying into supports.
GROUND PLAN
Fix a trellis or wire support system onto a wall or fence then dig a hole around 30-45cm away from it. This is to ensure that the roots of the plant won’t be too cramped and can get enough water. The soil at the base of the structure is likely to be quite poor and dry, so it’s a good idea to mix in some multipurpose compost too.
Fan the flames
The gloriosa flame lily and its crimson blooms edged with bright yellow will add a glorious splash of colour when trained up and over your pergola this summer. Height 1.5m Spread 50cm, £9.99/3 tubers jpa
