Ivy, bougainvillea, jasmine, wisteria and honeysuckle. They are climbing plants that grow on the ground but also on the balcony of the house.
Climbing plants are the ideal choice to dress a wall in green on the balcony or terrace of the house. But that’s not all. For example, if you decide to grow a climbing plant on a trellis, you will get a practical windbreak that is very pleasing to the eye. Among the climbing plants to place on the balcony, there is only the embarrassment of choice: I suggest some easy to grow and excellent yields.
Which climbing plants should you choose?
Here is a short list of the most popular climbing plants:
- ivy
- Mock orange
- Wisteria
- Bougainvillea
- honeysuckle
Climbing plants for growing in pots
Surely one of the plants that you can most often grow in pots on your balcony is ivy. A plant with beautiful leaves and very resistant branches. It grows luxuriantly even in the shade, guaranteeing good coverage of the wall where it is grown. The ivy, on the other hand, indicates a bright location, not directly exposed to the sun. In summer you must moisten it abundantly, at least once or twice a week, while in winter you only water it a little every 15 days.
The ivy reproduces by cuttings: for this process the branches must be taken in the months of July, August or autumn.
Another potted plant is the honeysuckle . It is a very robust climber that has the peculiarity of twisting on the support that supports it. Emerald green leaves and very fragrant flowers make this plant a real ornament for a terrace or balcony.
If you buy the plant in a nursery, remember to plant it in a larger pot only from September to May, and above all away from other plants that the honeysuckle would tend to suffocate due to its bursting (it even reaches a height of 4-5 meters in just one year).
Climbing plants that grow faster
The rhynchosperm or “false jasmine” grows the fastest and differs from the real jasmine in that it is much more resistant to cold. The flowers are white and fragrant and the foliage is a beautiful dark green that is evergreen even in winter. Extremely easy to grow, not only because it tolerates the harsh cold as well as the sultry heat, but also because it keeps well in pots. During growth, the branches must be directed in the desired direction: it does not need too much water, in summer it is enough to water every 3-5 days or as soon as the soil appears dry. Younger plants need to be fertilized every 15 days in the period from April to September.
Bougainvillea is a climbing plant native to Latin America, very vigorous and also grows quickly, developing a real cascade of branches, leaves and colorful flowers. A sunny location is the best solution for this plant, otherwise you risk not seeing it bloom if you put it in the shade. The Bougainvillea fears the cold and winter frosts, for this reason it must be protected with the arrival of winter.
How to Grow Climbing Plants
An example of a perfect climbing plant to help you better understand how to grow this type of plant is the wisteria. Wisteria can also be planted in a pot, although the diameter must be very large.
It is one of the most beautiful climbing plants of all. Its violet, purple and pink flowers are gathered in clusters and are very fragrant. The wisteria prefers a sunny location, if it is placed in the shade it will not die but its flowering will be somewhat compromised. It is easy to grow and requires some attention, especially after the planting phase, which usually takes place in autumn or winter. You must get a deep pot of at least 60 cm; when the plant has occupied almost the entire pot with its roots, you must remove a third of the roots and prune the plant, always taking care not to leave it lacking the structure necessary for feeding. At this time, add more universal soil and repot by tying the wisteria to a support.
Which supports should be used?
The supports most commonly used for climbing plants, whether they are sustainable or beautiful to look at, are wood and bamboo reeds. Wire can also be used. As a support, you can also easily build a trellis for climbing plants. A glove and four bamboo sticks are enough
How to care for climbing plants
Climbing plants should be watered especially during the hot and dry season . The soil must be constantly checked for water deficiency. Species grown in pots and evergreen species must also be watered in winter.
