Planting a Climber

Easily plant a climber in a container with these step-by-step instructions.

Excerpted from Simple Steps: Containers for Patios

There is a lively choice of climbers for containers, which can be trained up a length of trellis, ideally against a backing fence or screen. Make sure there will be enough room for the plant to spread out.

Prep the Pot

Choose a heavy, stable, frost-proof pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Add a layer of crocks around the base of the trellis to fix it in position and provide good drainage. Start adding loam-based potting mix.

Wooden Trellis in Large Stable Container

Add the Plant

Create a planting hole by standing the plant, still in its original pot, on the potting mix, and fill in around it with more potting mix. Make sure that the top growth is angled toward the trellis (Image 1).

Fill in around the climber with potting mix, leaving a gap of 2in (5cm) from the soil to the rim of the pot. Tie in the stems loosely to the trellis with soft twine (Image 2). When these stems have hardened, remove the ties and tie in new growth higher up.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Containers for Patios © 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited
Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Containers for Patios © 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Water Well

Water well with a watering can with an upturned spray, and add a layer of small pebbles or gravel over the surface to help highlight the display. Stand smaller potted plants at the front to create a mixed arrangement.