Suggestions for a flowering climber for a north facing wall?

[Impret-Sir]

I have a Hydrangia Petiolaris there for about five years, as I read that it would thrive and flower well on a shady wall. Well it certainly does thrive, it grows like a mad thing! But sadly it doesnt flower, just one small flower this year, three last year, and none at all up till then, on a 10ft high plant.

I have resolved to replace it, not only because of its lack of flowers, but its also a bit to rampant for where it is. Just not sure what with.

[sallybb]

Also have hydrangia growing on North facing fence, it had a very poor flowering show to start with. But now has an abundance, its been there 10 years. Try pruning it if it is rampant it may put more effort into producing flowers and less into growing. On the same fence we have put 3 flowering winter jasmine, so we get flowers for most of the year. Some of the climbing roses will also flower on a North facing position, not as prolific as normal, but will still flower. Honeysuckle will grow in woodland conditions so is also a good contender.

[sallybb]

Here is a link with advice on roses for shade.

http://www.classicros...showthread.php?t=2447

[Impret-Sir]

Thanks for those suggestions! I have tried a clematis in previous years which did ok. As for pruning the hydrangia, this has been a bone of contention, does it flower on last years wood, or new growth? As well as growing flat up the wall, it also sends shoots straight out at 90 degrees to the wall, not sure whether to cut all this off or if this is why it doesnt flower. In winter when it drops all its leaves it looks terrible! , so we have been pruning it back after it has defoliated, perhaps this is wrong?

[AlBags]

You should shave the Petiolaris right back with even a hedge trimmer.
I will likely flower better thereafter.

[Impret-Sir]

Albags, are you saying therefore that it flowers on new, ie this seasons growth?
Should I cut it back to ground level or just the shoots growing out horizontally from the wall?

[Ann]

Try Zepherine Drouhin roses (pink, thornless)

[Impret-Sir]

Thanks for all answers!