english ivy “green curtain” alternatives?

Thursday, July 7th, 2011 at 7:46 am

Question by Mike d: english ivy "green curtain" alternatives?
supposedly Euonymus fortunei is the closest "safe" alternative to english ivy. It climbs but takes 2-3 years to grow.

The home I want the wall or two to be laced fully with plant is located in front of the beach in the Dominican Republic. The summers heat is like a hammer, there is moisture, salt air and sea spray. Besides being able to grow in those conditions I don't mind if the plant can't climb up. Infact the sides of the house I'd like to be green actually have no ground soil, just stone floor so I imagine I have no choice either way. Oh, and the faster it grows the better.

Thank you.

Best answer:

Answer by Yarddoccarol
There are many salt tolerant plants to choose from and all need some soil for the roots. This means some kind of container or planter box is necessary. It would be great to supply the container with a low-volume irrigation system to make watering easy.

As to salt and sun tolerant vines, possibilities include: creeping fig (Ficus pumila), this one will cling and climb; Bougainvillea, will require support to cover the wall and regular pruning to control size; Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), a climber, but like the Boug will require support; and Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora ) which will climb.

I might consider using sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera) in an espalier. This is a pruning method which trains large plants to grow flat against a wall. Here is an article about the process, Do you know the way to espalier? - http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/pruning/techniques/waytoespalier.aspx

A few large salt-tolerant shrubs to consider include Oleander (Nerium oleander), Natal plum (Carissa grandiflora) - a great tough choice but slow growing, Barbados flower-fence (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) - the common name says it all and Giant milkweed (Calotropis gigantea) - great for attracting butterflies.

Add your own answer in the comments!

404 Not Found