Climbers & Wall Shrubs

Question 1

What is a climber?

Answer 1

A climber is a plant that has adaptations or modifications that allows it to climb to receive light.

e.g. twining stems, tendrils, adventitious roots that affix to a surface (like a wall or a tree trunk)

Question 2

What is a wall shrub?

Answer 2

A woody shrub which is planted next to a wall for decorative reasons or to benefit from the microclimate provided by the wall.

May be self-supporting but suitable for growing vertically or may have a lax habit and benefit from support.

Question 3

What are some garden uses for a climbers?

Answer 3

• Clothe a boundary
• Disguise unslightly structures
• Be productive (flowers or fruit)
• Provide screening
• Extend season of interest
• Provide food and shelter to wildlife
• Provide a vertical element to a garden
• Provide shade
• Utilise vertical space.

Question 4

Name four climbers.

Answer 4

• Hedera helix*
• Hydrangea anomala* subsp. petiolaris
• Akebia quinata*
• Vitis cognetiae*
• Wisteria sinensis*
• Trachleospermum jasminoides*
• Jasminum officinale*
• Clematis montana*
• Lonicera japonica*

Question 5

Name four climbers suitable for a shady position or north-facing wall.

Answer 5

• Hedera helix*
• Hydrangea anomala* subsp. petiolaris
• Akebia quinata*
• Vitis cognetiae*

Question 6

Name four wall shrubs.

Answer 6

• Garrya elliptica*
• Pyracantha coccinea*
• Stachyurus praecox*
• Kerria japonica* ‘Pleniflora’
• Jasminum nudiflorum*