By 
Q: Dear Ken, I have a south-facing fence on which I would like to grow a honeysuckle and/or passion flower. Unfortunately, there is only a concrete path on my side of the fence so any plants would have to be container grown. Would this be possible if I was prepared to take trouble with feeding etc?
If so, could you please advise on the following: –1) Would I be restricted to particular varieties that were not too vigorous? 2) How big would the containers need to be? (They can’t be too big or they will block the path). 3) What soil/compost should I use? 4) What feeding? 5) Would over wintering be a problem? 6) Is this the wrong time of year to plant them? 7) Are there any varieties you could suggest? 8) If honeysuckle and/or passion flower are not suitable for container growing, are there any other climbing plants that could be container grown? I would prefer plants that have attractive flowers rather than just foliage. 9) How should I prune whatever you might suggest?
Apologies for the lengthy list but any comments would be greatly appreciated. I should also like to thank you for the helpful advice you have given in the past. Thanks, Peter
A: Dear Peter, it is possible to grow climbers in containers and in a south-facing position you could grow honeysuckle and passion flowers as well as other climbers including clematis, jasmine and even campsis or wisteria.
As you point out the problem is the size of containers required. They would not survive in anything smaller than a 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep container. Ideally it should be about 30 inches. The compost needed would be a mix of John Innes No. 3 and multi-purpose compost (half and half) due to them being in pots they would need regular feeding, a slow release fertilizer would be adequate with a monthly top up of a liquid seaweed based fertilizer. Don’t forget these containers will need very regular watering, however taking care not to overwater but keep moist at all times.
Over wintering plants in containers is only a problem if the weather is very extreme and usually the best method is to wrap the tubs or containers with bubble wrap to protect the outside roots. It is always best that the containers are held slightly off the ground in winter to allow free draining. Most of these climbers would be pruned in spring unless you purchase an earlier flowering clematis.
WorldRadioGardening.com
Let Ken Crowther help you with gardening tips and advice, – send him a question for his live show broadcast every third Sunday of the month on City Sound Radio. WhatsApp pictures and text to +44 7568 771825 to get an answer.
Alternatively ask Ken a question about garden plants and jobs by sending an email.
We’re delighted to have Gro-rite Horticulture sponsoring World Radio Gardening, find out about automatic pot watering systems available for mail order delivery.
Also, don’t forget – if you like what we do, why not tip Ken and team with a coffee – Buy us a coffee – as a thank you for the work done to bring this website to life.
