Arbor question....

I bought an arbor in the spring and planted two clematis on either side. They look "Tiny Tim" pathetic! As I read now, clematis like alkaline soil and I have very acid soil as well as all acid-loving plants around my whole yard. Point is, I can't amend my soil for the clematis because I will jeapardize (sp?) the rest of my plantings. Does anyone know of a climber that likes acid soil and blooms in part shade THROUGHOUT the summer? I am zone 5b. I do love climbing roses, specifically, but do not know of any that like some shade.....Any ideas?? Thanks in advance! (PS) the right side pine has been removed so there is more light, the spirea on the left have been trimmed back and don't mind the mess-we recently got our older house and its a work zone!!

This message was edited Oct 13, 2008 9:58 AM

You could probably get morning glory vines up there in a hurry.

I have a ton of morning glories on the other side of the house. I wanted something perennial, if possible!

.........also, I did have some that reseeded themselves (morning glories) from the year before that made their way up one side but never gave me any blooms. My soil might be too rich for them!

I know in my yard clematis don't really "take off" until the third year, they're getting settled in the first two years. I suspect we're in similar zones, and I'm not surprised clematis planted this spring are still quite small. If you decide to keep them they would probably be a bit bigger next summer and then much, much larger the summer after that.

Climbing roses would take a while to get established too. A very popular one that is nearly thornless and can tolerate some shade is Zephirine Drouhin.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/354/

There are quite a few other roses that can stand some shade, if you're interested I can post some links.

I did look at the Zephirine Drouhin online yesteday but it says "tolerates alkaline" soil. But does it tolerate acid soil? It was a beautiful rose. Also, It didn't say what the bloom period is. I need an all summer bloomer. Do you know more about this rose? Thanks- Brit

Roses prefer acidic to alkaline soils, (optimum pH of approx. 6.5 - 6.8). The report of Zeph being tolerant of alkaline soils was noted because many roses aren't so adaptable.

Zeph blooms in flushes, like many if not most roses. Here's a link to more info, just go through the tabs at the top. This site (helpmefind.com/roses) is extrememly useful; it lists almost every rose in commerce. You can use the "advanced search" option on the left under "Plants" to find more shade tolerant climbers.

Pretty much any rose will take at least 3 years to approach it's mature size and blooming behavior. But if grown on their roots they can live as much as 100 years or more, long outliving the gardener who planted them!

http://www.helpmefind.com/plant/pl.php?n=2572

Thanks for the great info! I have beginners luck with all of my front yard roses so hopefully with my backyard arbor, I will have just the same luck! I do think I will go with the Zeph. I liked it from the start.- Brit

Good luck with your arbor - hope you'll post some photos next year!

I agree with midwest that clematis is slow to take off (as are many plants). I have two that are four years old and they over-topped their very large trellises this summer by about 4 feet each. The three year old clematis over-topped it's large trellis by about a foot. The ones I just put in this last spring barley made it to the top and were just one long vine. After pruning this winter they will branch out and look much better next summer. I think if you be patient with your clematis, you will be glad you did in another two or three years. They are gorgeous once they get fully established and will cover themselves with blooms.

NatureLover-I thought they might have been scrawny due to my acid soil....I will let them be for a few years but plant the rose nearby in the meantime in case..thanks for the note Midwest! :) I will definitely be posting photos next year. Hope we all do so! -Brit

Yes, just about any perennial climber will take about 3 years to really start covering an arbor here up north. It's your choice what you want to have....I love both my clematis and my roses...and by the way the two look really, really good together, so if you can't decide between them have both!!

Edited to add: You posted while I was typing this, I see you've already thought of that! I'm sure your arbor will be beautiful!

This message was edited Oct 13, 2008 12:44 PM

LOL Brit, you should see my "soil"! It's heavy clay and I've had to do LOT'S of work trying to amend it so it will grow plants. From what I've seen, clematis must be pretty tough plants and that's surprising since they have a delicate appearance. Good luck with your trellis.

Thanks Nat!

hi
I have seen jasmine in any types of soil and climate
it is fantastic to be used as a coverturn around gats
tast honeysukel

I love the smell of Jasmine...never thought of that. I will research it. Thank you!

Some Honeysuckle will tolerate you conditions too, as for that and the Clematis, just add loads of organic matter each spring to help feed, aerate the soil and help keep the roots cool with moisture retention, I have never had good results with Roses in my acidic soil, however I am so glad they do grow well as they do add to a garden in summer and need not a lot of attention in return, pruning once per year and thats it, I have to grow them elsewhere in my garden, nowhere near acid beds. good luck. your doing good so enjoy. WeeNel.

can you please tell me if i have exactily understant my ipinoin
i nean whether i told you the name turely {the verity of jasmine}

I don't think so!

i will sure about that plant name by giving a picture
....
one thing more can you tell me what is the limmitation on D mall s
as we have here and how can i exactly connect with guys posting me answer

just click on the person's blue or green post name and it will take you from there. As far as limitations, I guess keep it nice!

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and can you tell me how have you write your aswer down each guyes
helpping you it goes there box mail please
thanks

618618, I guess what you are trying to ask is how to send a dmail? Here's an example: if you wanted to send me a dmail, you would need to put your cursor on my user name (NatureLover1950) and right click on it with your mouse. That would take you to a box already set up to type your dmail to me. When you are finished typing your message, you can edit it (look it over for any possible mistakes) and then hit send. If you want to practice, you are welcome to send a practice dmail to me. Maybe that will help you understand the procedure better.

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is it admail
if not tell me what is this and who to use it
please i need ithelp me

sir when I just send just two dmail it limmits
tell me what is the way you rae aswering me
by thanks hadi