steve-in-kville wrote:I was considering clematis as well. Appears to be lots of varieties available.
lots of varieties, for different planting zones, too.
they can take awhile to establish. most perennials do.
often, advice for clematis is, to keep the above ground part in the sun, but, shade for roots.
which can be a bit puzzling. in the end, i decided mulching worked fine.
the last clematis i grew (i don’t recall the variety) did beautifully.
i added a generous layer of a product like this on top of conventional mulch:
Water storing crystals
somehow, i had some that got filled with water. they looked like ice cubes (that didn’t melt in 90F weather! i experimented. i put a generous layer on top of the mulch, to add shading, cooling, moisture.
for real - it looked funny! -
but, it was in a spot out of view. it seemed to work fine. i would do it again.
it was not Miracle Grow brand. it was something i picked up at a local nursery.
i suppose this is the same/similar.
clematis flowers vary in shape, color, density, so does their flowering time. some are fragrant, bees+butterflies love them.
i have thought about putting a spring bloomer with a fall bloomer, to double-up that way.
depending on your pot, the eventual weight of the plant will become a factor.
i think clematis does well in pots. i have not tried it.
jasmine and wisteria are wonderful plants.
not so easy in my planting zone 5.
wisteria takes a strong support structure! heavy and woody.
honeysuckle grows about anywhere.
i have not tried chocolate vine:
https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/silve ... e/p/31172/
i have bought from Jackson+Perkins, no complaints about plants or service.
they are readily available for advice.
in addition to roses, they have a good variety of vines and other plants:
https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/plant ... gsize/all/
there are some “real” gardeners on this forum! i’m strictly amatuer.
always enjoy garden talk. mid-winter therapy.
shade gardens can be delightful.
lots of good plants.
i enjoy moss gardens. the summer heat here makes that near impossible.
at this moment, i’m enjoying spontaneous moss here+there in my yard.
a passing treat.