Home Climbing Plants Causing Issues? Essential Information on Training Vegetation on Brick Walls Before You Start
Choosing the Right Climbing Plants for Brick Houses
When it comes to adorning brick houses with climbing plants, it's essential to select species that won't damage the walls or foundations. The ideal choices are those that require support structures like trellises or wires, rather than clinging directly to the surface with rootlets or adhesive pads.
Clematis, climbing roses, star jasmine, and passionflower are excellent options for brick houses. These plants can be tied to a framework to avoid damaging brickwork [1]. Ivy and wisteria, however, should be handled with care or avoided directly on brick surfaces, as their rootlets and woody stems can cause harm to the brickwork [1].
Plants like Virginia creeper (Boston ivy) should be used cautiously, as their tendrils hold tightly to brick and can cause damage if left unchecked. They also grow aggressively and can invade gutters and other structures [2].
To protect the brick and foundation from damage, it's recommended to grow wisteria in a pot [5]. Wall-mounted trellises or garden arches made of materials like cedar can help protect the brick by giving plants a vertical framework to climb without clinging to the house itself [3][4]. This approach also improves airflow and plant health while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of climbing plants.
Old, mature wisteria plants can grow as deep as 10 feet, but they will usually turn away or grow around solid obstacles, like foundations. Climbing plants like ivy and wisteria can damage brickwork due to the roots penetrating cracks and worsening existing damage [1].
Trellises or wire frameworks are easy to install on a DIY basis and are effective for hiding an ugly fence. These structures are also beneficial for promoting airflow and preventing damp, especially when pruning climbing plants to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth [4].
It's important to note that damage by plants, such as growing into brickwork or blocking guttering, is not covered by house insurance [6]. Therefore, homeowners should monitor the condition of walls regularly and fix any cracks or broken mortar to prevent plant roots from causing damage [3].
Some examples of climbing plants that require support and do not damage brickwork include clematis, climbing roses, star jasmine, and passionflower. Star jasmine is available from Thompson & Morgan, while passionflower can be purchased from Gardening Express. Climbing roses "Rosa Veilchenblau" and "Rosa Penny Lane" are available from Crocus [2]. Clematis "Crystal Fountain" is another option, available from Gardening Express.
In summary, for brick houses:
- Prefer climbers that require tying to a support framework, such as:
- Clematis
- Climbing roses
- Star jasmine
- Passionflower
- Avoid or manage carefully:
- Ivy
- Wisteria
- Virginia creeper
- Use trellises or other supports mounted slightly off the wall to protect the brick and foundation from damage [1][3][4].
- To protect foundations and pipes, it is recommended to grow wisteria in a pot.
- A green pine trellis is available from B&Q.
- To protect foundations and pipes, it is recommended to grow wisteria in a pot.
- To maintain a healthy, damage-free brick house, choose the right climbing plants, use support structures, and regularly monitor and maintain the condition of your walls.
- To enhance a home-and-garden lifestyle, consider nurturing houseplants that are known for their air-purifying properties, such as spider plants or dracaena, creating a healthier indoor environment within your brick house.
- For a picturesque home exterior, favour the cultivation of climbing plants that adorn brick houses without causing damage, such as clematis, climbing roses, star jasmine, and passionflower, using wall-mounted trellises or garden arches made of materials like cedar to facilitate their growth.
