Trish Christie asked 8 years ago
I have a virginia creeper/boston ivy on the front of my north east facing house but it has never clung on with it’s pads (I think the render is too smooth) Im thinking of changing to Wisteria, would that be a good idea, or can you suggest another climber. Otherwise, any tips on how to get the ivy to cling?
1 Answers
Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
First, Virginia creeper can be slow to grip on a wall if the plant is moved a lot by wind. Take away the canes and pin the stems to the ground with hair-pin-like bent wires.
Virginia creeper oftens bonds to glass, so smoothness is not the problem, which is more likely, if not due to movement, due to strong alkiniity due to cement, or additives to prevent algal growth.
Wisteria will require support of wires as it does not grip by its own succkers.
Ivy is in the same boat as Virginia creeper. … pin it down first and let it climb of its own accord.
