Plant/schrub to cover concrete post recommendation.

[NickRno77]

Hi All, Could you recommend a fast growing plant, shrub etc that will clime and cover up a cloths line concrete post? The post is adjacent to my bird feeders, would be nice to for the bird to perch on.
Pic below:-

[Johnny1]

How about a Clematis? there are several different varieties that would soon cover a post providing cover for the birds and plenty of flowers.

[David FG]

The trouble with fast-growing plants is that they have a tendency not to know when to stop.

If size is not a problem, what about Russian Vine (Bilderdykia[or Polygonum] baldschuanicum)?

[d.steeley]

I would suggesy an Ivy of some kind. They are evergreen, colourful (if you select a variegated variety), nectar and berry bearing, attractive to insects and offer nesting and security options. They are also self-clinging so will not need trellis or wire supports. They can be vigorous but put up with hard pruning. I would go for something like 'Goldheart, that has a small green/yellow leaf or 'Glacier' that has a small cream/green leaf.

Dave

[hornet]

I would suggesy an Ivy of some kind. They are evergreen, colourful (if you select a variegated variety), nectar and berry bearing, attractive to insects and offer nesting and security options. They are also self-clinging so will not need trellis or wire supports. They can be vigorous but put up with hard pruning. I would go for something like 'Goldheart, that has a small green/yellow leaf or 'Glacier' that has a small cream/green leaf.

Dave


Spot on - I'd second that. It's a great wildlife plant, tolerant and easy to grow.

[Isurus]

ivy isn't a bad idea (although I think some cultivars don't bear berries so you might not get the full benefit). I'd be tempted to try a mix of two climbers and one of them would be a honeysuckle. Lonicera periclymenum is our native variety with loads of cultivars including my favourites 'Serotina' and Graham Thomas - but this new variety Mandarin also looks rather tempting: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/06/lonicera_mandar.php

Most will berry and also are excellent for drawing in moths/butterflies which in turn bring more birds.

nice greenfinches btw.

[morning light]

Try the Trumpet vine! Easily contained if you plant it in a pot in the ground, it's huge red flowers will attract gazillions of hummingbirds!

[Isurus]

Try the Trumpet vine! Easily contained if you plant it in a pot in the ground, it's huge red flowers will attract gazillions of hummingbirds!

not in hertfordshire it won't!

[NickRno77]

Thanks for all your help and advice, I think I will go for an Ivy 'Goldheart' and maybe Lonicera 'Mandarin' is tempting.

Thanks Again

[Johnny1]

A good choice Nick but remember ivy can be very slow growing. I had a similar problem to yours and planted a variegated ivy, it took a couple of years to cover the post but the wrens love it.

[Cathy H]

Hiya,

We've got honeysuckle in various places around the garden. Last spring we cut one right down to the ground as it was getting out of hand. It helped a treat - we had loads of flowers with a lovely scent, followed by berries that the birds love. The beauty of it is that it is tough as old boots, and you can cut it down and it will happily grow quickly the next year. Good luck with whatever you choose. :bounce:

[Mary Evelyn]

Ivy would be my choice too,we have a lot of it here and wild-life and birds love it.It looks so good all year round.

[morning light]

not in hertfordshire it won't!

Oops! My bad. xD

[NickRno77]

A good choice Nick but remember ivy can be very slow growing. I had a similar problem to yours and planted a variegated ivy, it took a couple of years to cover the post but the wrens love it.
Hi Johnny, Maybe I will plant the Ivy and the Lonicera 'Mandarin' I guess if this is not good practice someone will let me know?
Thanks

[Isurus]

Hi Johnny, Maybe I will plant the Ivy and the Lonicera 'Mandarin' I guess if this is not good practice someone will let me know?
Thanks

hi nick, the only obvious problem I can think of would be if one gets off to a much better start than the other and swamps it. easily cured by pruning back/retraining the "aggressor" but just something to keep an eye on.

[Sue Wright]

Hi Nick,

I'd definately go along with the Ivy (which is very slow growing, but beautiful) on one side, then if you put the Lonicera Mandarin on the other it won't encroach on the Ivy quite so much though it will need keeping in check, but that's so easy to do with any Honeysuckle. You can cut them right down to ground level if needed and they'll still recover in a short time and grow on, it's so easy to keep them from going too high or too wide. The Birds, Butterflies, Moths and Bees will all love the berries of both too; to my mind you can't go wrong, then when the Ivy is far more established and good in height trim back the Honeysuckle as required so both can flourish. You'll then have a beautiful (Bird friendly) covered post.

I'd be very wary of a Cyclamen though as they can be difficult if not planted low/high enough and need shelter for the shallow roots. Good luck with your choice Nick.

Sue

[NickRno77]

Hi Nick,

I'd definately go along with the Ivy (which is very slow growing, but beautiful) on one side, then if you put the Lonicera Mandarin on the other it won't encroach on the Ivy quite so much though it will need keeping in check, but that's so easy to do with any Honeysuckle. You can cut them right down to ground level if needed and they'll still recover in a short time and grow on, it's so easy to keep them from going too high or too wide. The Birds, Butterflies, Moths and Bees will all love the berries of both too; to my mind you can't go wrong, then when the Ivy is far more established and good in height trim back the Honeysuckle as required so both can flourish. You'll then have a beautiful (Bird friendly) covered post.

I'd be very wary of a Cyclamen though as they can be difficult if not planted low/high enough and need shelter for the shallow roots. Good luck with your choice Nick.

Sue

Thanks Sue, I have not got around to purchasing yet, I will take a trip to the local garden centre soon.

[Cathy H]

Hi Nick,

If you have any gardening friends or relatives, maybe they can take cuttings for you, and that way you can save money too!

Good luck with it however you do it.