Archive for the ‘Climber’ category

Easy Growing, Ornamental House Plants: Philodendron

February 22nd, 2012

Philodendron is a large genus of creepers and clambering plants. Widely grown as indoor ornamental plants, philodendrons make excellent container plants for difficult (dark, shady and ignored places) spots. Native to tropical climate of the Americas, these beautiful foliage plants come in a large range of sizes, colors, and growing habits. Some are good for hanging baskets, some flourish under shady trees, and some of them server as outdoor ornamental plants.

Philodendron, Ornamental Foliage Plant

Philodendron, Ornamental Foliage Plant, Image by Ahmad Fuad Morad

In their native habitat, Philodendrons usually outgrow their neighbours however plants grown indoors or captivated in containers do not grow vigorously. In fact, they are quite easy to train when grown as indoor container plants.

Most species of Philodendron are characterized by evergreen lobbed leaves and aerial roots. They are easily cultivated from cuttings and prefer a damp and rich soil all the time. Avoid overwatering and place Philodendron plants in places where they receive indirect sunlight for some part of the day. When grown outdoors, protect them from direct, harsh sunlight and provide them with rich organic soil. As a general rules, all species of Philodendron should be provided with a warm environment (minimum 55 F).

Popular species include:  Philodendron Selloum, P. Squamiferum, P. Cannifolium, P. Scandens, and Philodendron Bipinnatifidum.

Philodendron Selloum

Philodendron Selloum, Image by Kahlil (flickr)

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.

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.

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.

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.