Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
THIS week, we look at a subject not often spoken about but worth the effort, as the results can be quite rewarding.
Climbers are a versatile group of plants, especially useful in gardens where height is a factor.
Climbers have many uses in the garden. Trees take years to grow, but climbers, with proper support, can provide excellent shade much faster. They deliver quick results on pergolas and deciduous climbers offer the option of sunlight when their foliage falls.
These plants can also help maintain privacy from prying eyes.
By planting evergreen climbers, you achieve good coverage.
Some people even use climbers as fencing, reducing the cost of conventional boundaries.
Climbers are a wonderful landscaping option for greening spaces.
They provide a variety of colours that enhance and beautify garden designs.
Let us look at some examples of climbers that can transform a garden:
Star jasmine (trachelospermum jasminoides): An evergreen twiner with dark green, glossy leaves. Its star-shaped white flowers thrive in full sun to semi-shade.
Golden shower (pyrostegia venusta): A spectacular climber with cascades of bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers. It is one of my favourites, as it was a regular feature in the garden of my childhood home.
Virginia creeper (parthenocissus quinquefolia): A hardy, self-clinging climber ideal for walls.
Tickey creeper (ficus pumila): Another self-clinging climber with similar characteristics.
Other examples include bougainvillea, Zimbabwe creeper (podranea brycei) and flame lily (gloriosa superba).
Most climbers are not fussy. To establish them, dig at least 50 cm deep, add compost and a compound fertiliser such as D or X, and water deeply twice a week to encourage a strong root system.
Like many other plants, climbers are vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can cause serious damage or even death. Regular monitoring and appropriate spraying will help keep them healthy.
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