On 11 May, 18:01, David in Normandy
wrote:
Martin Pentreath wrote:
Hi all,

We have a virginia creeper on a north facing wall. It's been there for
three years. It's been doing well and has spread nicely. But this year
it is steadfastly remaining as a collection of twigs clinging tightly
to the brickwork. I'd been hoping rather optimistically that maybe it
was just a bit late. But with June in sight I think it's time to face
up to reality. However, when I cut into any of the stems they are
green and sappy, not brown and dead. Is there any hope or should I
just replace it? I don't like the bare-wall look and if it has to
replaced I'd rather get its replacement started earlier than later. If
I put another one in its place is it likely to suffer the same fate?
Incidentally it is growing out of largish pot on the patio, coult that
be it's problem?

Cheers!

Martin

I'd say a pot it inadequate for a virginia creeper. Prone to drying out
in hot weather and for freezing the roots in Winter. My virginia
creepers have been growing for a couple of months now - engulfing the
house as usual. Unless I cut some down soon again the front door will be
lost!

--
David in Normandy.

Thanks David and Jeff for the replies. OK, I will reprieve it for a
few more weeks and put up with looking at bare brickwork. I wonder if
Miracle Grow/bonemeal/horse manure could coax it into leaf. Point
taken about the pot. But it never has had a problem with drying out.
It's probably the wrong plant for the wrong purpose in fact, because
it only needs to cover a wall about 8 feet high, and span around 12
feet wide. So not that much foliage, and it seemed perfectly happy at
close of business last year. It gets watered generously by an
automatic watering system.

If it shows no outward signs of life shortly I might try moving it
into a bed, although it will not be in the optimum location then for
its purpose.

Cheers!

Martin