Archive for the ‘Climber’ category

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Flowering Vine for Warm Climates: Pandorea ‘Bower Vine’

November 6th, 2011

Pandorea is a small genus of climbers and woody vines. These sun loving vines grow quite vigorously and serve as nice plants grown against trellis and pergolas or when grown against walls or garden screens. The most common species which is commercially sold as Bower Plant is Pandorea Jaminoides. It is a fast growing twining plant that produces showy and colorful flowers almost all through the year in warmer climates. Originally native to Australia and Malaysia, Pandorea prefers warm climate and moist conditions. It grows as high as 4 meters and produces dark green foliage. Flowers are white or pink with a dark carmine throat.

Pandorea Jasminoides, Bower Vine

Pandorea Jasminoides, 'Bower Vine', Image by douneika (flickr)

Bower plant can also be grown in hanging baskets or as trailing plant in balcony gardens. Provide this quick growing climber with adequate water and grow I full to partial sun.

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Posted in Climber, Flowers, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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Evergreen Flowering Climber: Asarina

November 3rd, 2011

Asarina usually described as Maurandia is a small genus of climbing perennials with evergreen foliage and very attractive flowers of purple, white, blue, yellow and white colors. Flowers are trumpet shaped and bloom from late spring till late autumn.

Asarina Procumbens

Asarina Procumbens, Image from wrightmanalpines.com

Suitable for hanging baskets, balcony gardens or as climbers against trellis and walls, Asarina are quite easy to grow. They require regular watering in fertile but well-drained soil, and bright sunlight to flourish. Most of the species grow quite well in cold climates where they are provided shelter from heavy frost. Asarina can be grown from cuttings planted in summer.

Asarina is commonly known as Creeping Gloxina, Climbing Snapdragon or Mexican Twist.

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Posted in Climber, Evergreen, Flowers, Perennials, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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Tropically Yours: Hawaiin Sunset Vine

September 29th, 2011

Native to Africa and widely cultivated in Pacific and other tropical regions, Stictocardia Beraviensis or Hawaiin Sunset Vine has many lovely things to offer to gardeners: colorful and scented flowers, large ornamental leaves, quick growth, and ability to grow at many different locations in the garden.

Hawaiin Sunset Vine or Stictocardia Beraviensis is a fast growing tropical vine usually grown as evergreen climber in gardens. The plant closely resembles Morning Glory in habit. It bears heart-shaped leaves that usually grow wide (up to 12 inches) and fleshy, and feel velvety to touch. The trumpet-shaped flowers are quite showy and appear almost year round. These scented flowers have all the shades of the setting sun: orange, pink, yellow, red and crimson. Thus they justify the name ‘Sunset Vine’.

Hawaiin Sunset Vine

Hawaiin Sunset Vine

How to Grow Hawaiin Sunset Vine

Stictocardia Beraviensis or Hawaiin Sunset Vine is quite easy to grow. It can grow under full sun as well as shade. For prolific flowering, grow Sunset Vine under full sun. Provide ample water and a rich but well drained soil. It can be grown as container plant but the best results are achieved when it is grown in ground where it gets sufficient room to flourish.

Stictocardia Beraviensis grows easily from stem cuttings as well as from seeds. When in bloom, this lovely plant attracts a lot of birds and butterflies.

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Posted in Climber, Evergreen, Flowers, Outdoor, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11

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Tropical Flowering Shrubs for Poor Soil: Convolvulus Cneorum

September 17th, 2011

Convolvulus is a genus of annual and perennial shrubs from tropical and Mediterranean regions. These easy to grow plants vary from climbers or trailing plants to shrubs and mound forming bushes. Plants and flowers also vary in size and spread. Flowers of Convolvulus plants are trumpet shaped and vary from white and pink to purple and mauve in color. These sun loving plants grow quite easily and survive very well in sandy, chalky and dry soil.

Convolvulus Cneorum, Flowering Shrub, Morning Glory

Convolvulus Cneorum, Image by Jessie Hirsch

Convolvulus Cneorum which is commonly known as Silver Bush grows as low growing plant and usually forms a think carpet of evergreen foliage. Because of its capacity to withstand drought and grow in poor soil, Convolvulus Cneorum is a good choice for rock gardens or as ground cover for sandy or poor soil. It is easy to maintain and should be pruned back after flowering.

How to grow Convolvulus Cneorum

Convolvulus Cneorum or Silver Bush grows well in sunny positions where it is protected from frost and long, dry spells of cold. These plants are easily propagated from seeds and require just sufficient water; do not over water.

Convolvulus Cneorum is generally related to the family of Morning Glory. Other popular species include: Convolvulus Mauritanicus, Convolvulus Tricolor and Convolvulus Arvensis.

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Posted in Annuals, Climber, Drought Tolerant Plants, Flowers, Foliage Plant, Ground Cover, Outdoor, Perennials, Shrubs and Bushes

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Evergreen, Ornamental Foliage Plant for Beginners: Tree Ivy

July 24th, 2011

If you are a beginner looking for some easy-to-grow plants for year round ornamental foliage, you should give Tree Ivy (x Fatshedera Lizei) a try. It is a less-demanding as well as a versatile plant that can be grown as evergreen ground cover, as climbing plant against walls and trellis, as evergreen shrub in garden or as pot plant grown both indoor or outdoor.

Tree Ivy is a hybrid between Fatsia Japonnica (a tree) and Hedra Helix (an ivy) that is why it has characteristics of both. Tree Ivy bears relatively larger ivy-like leaves and stiff, shrubby branches. The glossy green leaves appear round the year to make Tree Ivy an excellent foliage plant. Stiff branches require support for climbing against a wall, tree or trellis. A variegated variety (x Fatshedera Lizei ‘Variegate’) is also grown widely for its ornamental leaves (with white margins).

Tree Ivy, Evergreen Ornamental Plant

Tree Ivy, Evergreen Ornamental Plant, Image by S John Davey

How to Grow Tee Ivy

Tree Ivy requires a shady spot, moderate watering and protection from frost. Plants propagate from cuttings and reach about 2 meters or more in height. When pruned regularly, Tree Ivy can be grown as ornamental pot plant.

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Posted in Climber, Container Garden, Evergreen, Foliage Plant, Indoor, Outdoor, Shrubs and Bushes, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11, Zone 7a, Zone 7b, Zone 8a, Zone 8b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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