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Can i grow clematis in a trough?

O OsborneO Osborne Posts: 10

I have a small roof terrace where i would like to create a foliage screen for privacy.

People have suggested clematis as a good choice as it climbs well.

I am planning to buy the two troughs below

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Hand-made-Quality-Wooden-Garden-Planter-window-box-trough-Great-value-/160996543197?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D7002589772652709020%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D121094259365%26

150cm x 15cm x 17cm  to be placed against a fence of about 1m heigh on top of which a trelllis that will hopefull have the clematis climbing all over to create the screen.

My main question is will a trough like this be adequate to house a plant that will grow to 2m

Are clematis indeed the right plant, and what sort of spacing between each plant

Im a complete novice so any advice would be much appreciated!

thanks in advance

 

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Posts

  • This should be ok. I would try it and if after a few years the clematis gets too big for its boots (so to speak), then transplant it. Just don't go for the smallest trough, but one of the deeper, wider ones (and make sure it has good drainage).

  • Gold1locksGold1locks Posts: 498

    A six inch deep trough does sound very shallow for a clematis. The roots like a deep cool root run. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Agree with Gold1locks. I'd suggest a  taller planter, maybe 40-60 cms,(wouldn't have to be very wide) would be best as it would have the depth for the root system clematis would need. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    I would think those are far too narrow and shallow for clematis but you could grow one in 6° to 70cms deep and wide pot.   Clematis are very greedy plants that like a deep root run and plenty of food and water in good quality compost.

    Clematis also look pretty drab for 6 months of the year unless you go for an evergreen and they tend to get bigger than the 2m you want.    Why not consider a screen of tall grasses such as miscanthus n big pots?   They'll provide a screen and movement in the breeze and seeds for birds in autumn.  You could add verbena bonariensis to the pots to give small purple flowers that are very attractive to insects such as butterflies and are held on light airy stems.   Bronze fennel would also add contrast and attract insects and be tall enough to provide a screen.

    If you do want a climber, think about veriegated ivy which will look good all year or else something like sweet peas traine dup a trellis.  They'll give you flowers and perfume for months but you'd have to plant new ones each year and keep picking the flowers to make them produce more.

     

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • O OsborneO Osborne Posts: 10

    thanks for the advice guys

    so the fact that it is nice long trough wont really help , it needs to be deep?

     

    my trouble is that on a roof terrace weight is a consideration, are there other suitable climbers that would be happy in a trough of 150cm x 15cm(w) x 17cm(d)

     

    thanks!

     

  • Love obelixx suggestion of grasses & verbena. Think I will try that. Thank you
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    See my last para. Variegated ivy or sweet peas, althoughth latter will want deper troughs and good food to keep them going.   

    You can reduce weight, and water loss, by using plastic containers which now come in vibrant colours or terracotta look alikes or subtle greys and greens depending on what you fancy.   Use wine corks or polystyrene packaing chips as crocks to help with the drainage and use a 50:50 mix of multi purpose and John Innes no 3 soil based compost to reduce soil weight but maintain feed and drainage and water retention capacity.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • O OsborneO Osborne Posts: 10

    Thanks all again

    so Ivy and sweet peas are the way to go.

    What sort of height could i expect to achieve in the troughs i initially posted?

    What happens when ivy out grows its pot does it die?

    lastly what sort of spacing should i use?

    thanks for your help!

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