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Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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Posted by rebelslant z5 Seattle (My Page) on Sun, Jul 31, 05 at 20:26
| I wanted to give summer and fall color around my balcony door and started looking into things that grow fast that could be trained up and over it. I hate things like English ivy and thought there might be other solutions. Then I thought, 'why limit myself to the obvious!'
I liked how Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus inserta)leafed through the summer, turned red in the fall and grew like mad. Even though it's naturally a ground hugger I saw no reason not to try to pot it, and train it up, supporting it by hooks. Works like a charm! Have had it for going on three years and it's about 20 ft by now, potted in the original 2 gallon planter. I expect I'll give it some room by replanting it in the fall, but don't overlook fast growing creepers as a trellissing solution.
Barbara
barbis@qualityit.net |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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| One of our regular posters who recently moved into a house I believe, had been growing some of that on his balcony along with alot of other vines. I think anything that one sees growing up into the trees like virginia creeper, boston ivy, or english ivy - the latter of which also creep along the ground, are potentials. I'm not sure if vinca major or minor, which are also vining ground covers, will climb per se, but something like creeping euonymous and wintergreen might also be a good ones to try. |
RE: Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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- Posted by Cady 6b/Sunset34 MA (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 15, 05 at 11:20
| I put in perennial hops (Humulus lupulus) this season and am delighted with it. It grows quickly, and the variety I have (Aurea) has a beautiful chartreuse green hue that brightens the garden. It's deciduous but comes back quickly if you give it full sun, and does fine in part shade as well. |
RE: Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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- Posted by PVick z6B NYC (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 15, 05 at 20:43
| I've got Virginia Creeper climbing a trellis on my balcony this year. Got some starts last summer and was sure they had died over the winter. Not the greatest shot, but here it is 
with a cardinal climber and an MG or two mixed in. I'm looking forward to its fall color .... PV |
RE: Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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| By request of PV, here's a shot of my Virginia Creeper! 
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RE: Fast growing trellis solution--creepers
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| I think Virginia Creeper is a beautiful vine. However, it does self-sow and become a problem. Not for you on the balcony of course. Look down below, it's probably growing in the cracks of the parking lot! |
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