Green shelters against the heat
Weather forecasters say we are in for one of the hottest summers ever, so shade is going to be a major consideration as the temperature rises. It is a little late in the year to be planting out, but along with any purchase of annuals that fill the nurseries this time of year, it might be an idea to take home a hardy climber or two. If they are planted near the house where shade is needed most and where they can be watered until established, they should manage through the hot months. Climbers not only provide shade when trained over pergolas, but keep walls from heating up too much. These are some of the most popular Mediterranean climbers (but also a few lesser known that do well in dry climates), beginning with the courtyard favorites, bougainvillea, jasmine and honeysuckle. Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium, or aghioklima in Greek) comes in several vigorous and hardy varieties, with strongly scented flowers ranging in color from pale creamy white to bright orange red. They prefer a lightly shaded spot, well-drained soil and plenty of compost. The bright purple or dark red bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra, boukamvilia), seen in so many photographs contrasted against white Cycladic walls, needs lots of sun and will grow fast to cover a porch or pergola with occasional watering in summer once established. Jasmine (Jasminum officinale, yiasemi) is a hardy climber that despite its fragile appearance does not need much water once established. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, ambelopsi) is a hardy climber with warm red foliage in autumn, however it can become invasive, so it needs to be planted somewhere where it is not in danger of taking over the garden. Passion flower (Passiflora edulis, roloi) vines can take over a stone wall, penetrating the tiniest cracks between the stones, making it hard to eradicate if you change your mind about it. These require very little care apart from an annual cutting back to encourage prolific new growth. Morning glory (Ipomoea, perikoklada) is often considered a weed as it does very well in vacant lots and garbage dumps, a sign to the gardener concerned about conserving water. It comes in blues, bright red and purple, and is easily grown from seed. Its fast growth, twining habit, attractive flowers, and tolerance for poor, dry soils make it an excellent vine for creating summer shade on building walls when trellised, keeping the building cooler. An unusual scented climber with a spicy aroma is the semi-evergreen five-leaf akebia or chocolate vine (Akebia quinata), with clusters of rounded leaves and chocolate-purple blooms. They are perfect for growing on fences, over pergolas or up a wall in a courtyard or veranda where the spicy scent can be appreciated. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata, ploumbago), with its masses of blue or white flowers in summer, is also effective trained over a frame in a pot to seem like a dense shrub. It does need frequent watering until it’s established, but thereafter every couple of weeks should be enough in summer. Podranea ricasoliana (pink trumpet vine) is attractive for its clusters of pink flowers that bloom from September to November, and its long thin branches that can climb to over 8 meters are ideal for growing up a sturdy tree. Rynchospermum (or Trachelospermum) jasminoides (star jasmine, rynchosperma) is a hardy climber with shiny dark green leaves and a fragrant white flower that blooms in summer but which does not need direct sun. It will do fine against a north- or east-facing wall, where the soil will retain more moisture. Other choices for this side of the house, are the Clematis hybrids, climbing hydrangea, ivy, winter jasmine or roses, the most popular being the Banksia rose that has clusters of small white blooms but no thorns. Honeysuckle, passion flower or annual climbers such as morning glory are better choices for south-facing walls that get plenty of warmth and sunshine but where the soil is drier. In nature, climbers are part of the ecology and grow among shrubs and trees, and many garden experts think this is how they should be used in the garden, but be careful when planting them below a tree as they could eventually smother it if it isn’t strong enough. And climbers don’t need to go straight up. Grown over a frame, they can be pruned into a shrub shape – plumbago is very effective choice for this, particularly standing on its own in a large pot. Every gardener has his or her own favorite. The following list of drought-resistant climbers was provided by Italian landscape designer and gardener Piero Caneti in his article «Problems of Acclimatization: Drought» in the Winter 2000 issue of the journal «Mediterranean Garden»*: Abutilon megapotamicum, Araujia sericifera, Campsis radicans, Clematis armandii, Clematis montana, Dregea sinensis, Macfadyena unguis-cati, Jasminum nudiflorum, Parthenocissus quinquaefolia, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Solanum jasmindoides, Trachelospermum jasmindoides and Wistaria (all). (1) The journal of the Mediterranean Garden Society. Further info about the society from [email protected]. Watch how they climb A climbing plant is virtually any plant with stems that are not strong enough to support their own weight and need a host such as a tree, bush, rocks, wall or anything else sturdy enough. The way they climb, however, varies from twining around the support to clinging with hooks. So bear that in mind when choosing. Some project small tendrils from their leaves, others spread their branches at right angles to intermingle with the plant supporting it. A climbing rose will need to be tied in some way to a wall that an ivy will happily cover all by itself.
