Choice Climbing Plants

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22391, 11 April 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

Choice Climbing Plants

KEPOS Shows Where Opportunities Are Missed

TT is surprising that with such an immense number available, the climbing plants used in the majority of gardens are limited only to a small range. Clematis, ivy and ampelopsis polygonum, with an occasional solanum, may be familiar to most garden lovers. Others, seldom seem, are equally attractive. An uncommon evergreen climber is Anthyllis Barba-Jovis, with grey fernlik'e fdliage and many white flowers produced in midsummer. It is quite

Actinidia chinensis. Quite apart from the fact that the plant produces an edible fruit in winter, the heart-shaped leaves of the vine, rich green in colour, are covered with crimson hairs and are of quite a pleasing appearance in themselves. The climbing Hydrangea scandens prefers <i cool root run, and is excellent for a position facing south, one of those difficult positions to fill in any garden. It quickly twines round the supporting structure, and produces its white heads of flowers in abundance. While the deciduous varieties of clematis are familiar to everyone, that

hardy except in the southernmost parts of the Dominion. Charming and refined in haljit is Bridgesia spicata, perhaps better known as Krcillia. This also is hardy, with evergreen foliage of good texture, and in spring is covered with purple flowers. Planted against a wall, it will need some extra support, or it will not maintain its own weight. Where an arch or pergola is to be (covered rapidly a welcome change will !>e found in the Chinese gooseberry,

beautiful evergreen species C. Armandii, is worthy of more attention. It has large foliage and, in early spring, clusters of pure white flowers. These also withstand frost remarkably well. A rare climber that is very scarce is Mutisia decurrens, the Peruvian marigold. It has long, glaucous foliage and large flowers of deep orange, produced where it getsi the sun in the afternoon this plant will give a go<3d account of itself provided the soil is of a light

nature and well drained. A fine trellis is tlio best means of support as the vine-like tendrils require something on which to cling. A point not to be overlooked in the cultivation of this handsome plant is that it is particularly attractive to slugs. Protection is best afforded by surrounding the base with a zinc coliar, and dressing the ground with one of the many specifics advised for the control of these pests. The lapagerias are more hardy than is generally supposed. In the northern Sarts of the Dominion the beautiful L. loseas will bloom in winter and early spring if planted in sandy loam at the bflse of a wall. With these also it is necessary to take the precautions before mentioned against the depredations of slugs.