How to grow creepers

 


Adding a trellis, frame, or similar vertical structure to the garden gives visual interest and a new dimension. Popular vine plants to introduce to the garden include clematis, bougainvillea, moonflowers, pole beans, and sugar snap peas. But, it is necessary to give the right type of support structure to the different plants. Climbing plants can curl, adhere, or wrap around the frame or pole. Here are several of the climbing methods used by plants:
Tendrils
Tendrils are wiry, skinny structures that emerge from the plant's stem and search for something to grab and connect with. The tendrils have the ability to adjust the pull or tension to ensure enough support is given. A common plant species that produces the tendrils is the peas. Tendrils are split between two types: leaf tendrils and stem tendrils. The leaf variety has tendrils that resemble leaves and grow from the leaf nodes, while the stem tendrils grow with the more traditional shoots that emerge from the stem. These plants prefer to have support that gives multiple holds. Netting or branches can work well with it comes to supporting the tendril-climbers. Also, because the tendrils are most quite short (less than an inch), it is necessary to provide something that is easy to grasp, such as wire or string that doesn't exceed ¼-inch in diameter.
Twiners
Twining plants include clematis, honeysuckle, pole beans, and morning glories. The different twining plants can vary and attach to support using stems or leaves. A plant with twining leaves relies on the leaves to act similar to the tendrils. Leaves can easily attach to other foliage, twigs, string, or wire. These plants need a thin support structure to make it easy for leaf stems to curl and attach. Twining stems are more versatile and will attempt to attach to any surface, from a chair leg or pole to wire or branches.
Scramblers
The scrambler category includes the rambling and climbing roses which grow with long and flexible stems. The scramblers include multiple thorns to help grip or attach to any nearby stems. These plants aren't very effective at climbing a pergola, arbor, or trellis by themselves, so it is necessary to use wire or tacks to secure plants to these structures.
Adhesive pads
Certain creeper and ivy plants include adhesive pads that can attach to virtually any surface. These touch-sensitive plants are most noticed for attaching to the trunk of a tree or the face of a building. This type of plant doesn't need support and can easily crawl up anything in its path.