Which Plants To Buy?

[sunflower68]

Hello. I need to pick your gardening brains. My mum would like some pretty or unusual climbing plants or shrubbery to go in front of a new fence she is getting. She is replacing old fence and having some thick ugly old shrubbery removed. It is on her drive so will be on gravel. She would prefer the plants too be low - maintenance! Any ideas would be gratefully received.

[coccinelle]

Unfortunately, climbing plants and low-maintenance don't really go hand in hand as that's what the plants do, climb. How high is the fence?

[hammerman]

Lots and lots of suggestions really...i love evergreen foliage shrubs that will give a "wow" impact. Trachelospermum jasminoides would be my choice of climber...evergreen, scented and not a brute like other climbers can be.

Phormiums, Euonymous, Fatsias, Rosemary, Lavender, Skimmia, conifers, Garrya, Sarcoccoca, Mahonia, Euphorbias, Penstemon, Nandina are all pretty everygreen shrubs or perennials that flower as well as look good.

[SlackAlice]

Little more detail might help. which way will the fence be facing? Is the gravel laid over soil? Also a rough idea where in the UK.

[woofgang]

what kind of soil?

[hammerman]

Forgot to mention that an idea of soil type (clay, chalk etc) would be helpful as would which way it faces and/or how much sun it gets.

Also, most of the plants listed above will require some cutting back to keep in shape...maybe once or twice a year

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S. Bee Balm (Monarda) is very low maintenance, comes in a variety of colors and heights (from 6 inches to 36 inches. Although not a climber, it does grow quite closely together. Behind this, next to the wall, I'd plant a variety of several classic and hardy Clematis... pick your color...

[Chipchopper]

Hi Sunflower,

What springs to my mind, with the info you have given, is Cotoneaster horizontalis. It's not really a climber but can be easily trained, vertically against the fence or prostrate along the ground
It's a small leaved shrub with pinky-white flowers, followed by red berries which are good for attracting birds and bees
It's not too particular or fussy about soil type or position, so long as the area is fairly bright. it's also compact and reasonably slow growing and shouldn't need too much pampering

Just a last thought, avoid anything spiky next to the drive

[sunflower68]

Thanks so much everybody for the replies; as expected a massive range of greatly-appreciated knowlege to a non greenfingered aber. Apologies for the delayed thankyou and also for more info; I can tell you it is south facing and in a gravel drive. The new fence will be 6 ft high. Thanks again so much x

[sunflower68]

oh, its in Cambs.

[Answerprancer]

Of all climbing plants, I find Passion Flowers the most fascinating...
http://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/Passion-flowers-and-Passiflora-Plants

[Chipchopper]

South facing should give you much more scope for planting & any of the above plants should do well

I believe Cambridgeshire is relatively mild, & again is a plus
Good Luck