2. Clinging climbing plants
Although these can get out of hand, you don't have to climb up to bring them back to earth. Just cut through major stems at a low level and let them put out new shoots from there.
Because ivies can withstand poor and dry soils, they are ideal for planting at the base of a house wall. Ivies cling onto rough surfaces with ease, but can loosen poor material so only choose these plants for walls in good condition.
Large-leaved types romp up walls, but can be just as quickly ripped down by high winds, whereas the small-leaved compact types mince their way upwards and outwards. A browse through a brochure will illustrate the choice of vigour, leaf shape and colour available.
Another clinger is the climbing hydrangea. It loses its leaves in winter, but shows off with large creamy-white flowerheads in early summer.
Boston ivy (unrelated to the ivies above) and Virginia creeper are also able to support themselves. They're grown for their rich autumn colours, but are only suitable for those of you with 50 foot or more of wall to spare, unless you're happy to nip them in the bud.
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