Climbers provide colourful accents in your garden. Up against walls, pergolas and fences they will liven up your view. There are many species of climbing plants, so before you you buy one make sure you carefully read the label to see if it is suitable for the spot you have in mind.
Climbers require the right care if they are to continue to grow and flourish. Read the five basic rules for growing climbers below:
The soil provides the basis for every plant. By giving your houseplants the right soil, they will absorb nutrients and water faster, helping them to flourish and flower for longer. The right compost will ensure you have healthy plants. Most plants will grow well in a special planting mix for perennials, or you can improve the soil with a speciality compost such as Ornamental Garden Compost.
Sun, shade, light or semi-darkness... Every plant has its own favourite spot in the garden, but the right amount of moisture is also very important. You will get the best results if you try to reproduce the plant’s natural environment as much as possible. Read the label on the plant, it will tell you what kind of conditions your plant prefers.
Climbers need to have strong stems, so it is important that are fed the right nutrients to stimulate stem growth. Alongside nitrogen (for the leaves) and phosphorus (for the flowers), they also need enough potassium. We recommend using a special climber fertilizer to make your climbing plants more robust with better resistance to diseases and plagues.
Most climbers prefer to be pruned regularly, whereby timing is important. Early flowering species (flower in May-July) prefer to be pruned immediately after flowering, because they grow their flower buds for the next season during the second half of summer. Species that flower later should be pruned in the spring, because this when they usually grow their flower buds. Read the label carefully, as some species do not tolerate pruning very well.
A healthy plant is a stronger plant that will be less susceptible to diseases. The right spot in the garden, sufficient water and, of course, the right nutrients are needed for healthy growth. Prevention, after all, is better than the cure.