Growing Plants Up Front Of House

[Bowieblue]

I want to cover a boring blank part of the front of our house either with a climber or similar but I think it would have to be grown from a large pot or trough. Has anyone any ideas please?

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi Bowieblue,
Use anything but Ivy as it'll ruin yer brickwork.
Are you looking for foliage or flowers and how high would you want it to go?

[Peaspeculiars]

Wisteria is fantastic but slow growing.
If you want some good foliage with big leaves but no flowers, try Actinidia Kolomikta - this is not evergreen though.
Clematis is always a winner - Montana Grandiflora is fantastic for flowers and a rapid grower.
Climbing Tea roses for scent? (you can actually buy climbing roses at the poundshop and they have been a great success in a friends garden)
I have put in a climbing hydrangea this year and it has lovely bright green foliage - another fairly rapid grower (will have white flowers eventually).
Or if you want high scent - try jasmine (honeysuckle looks awful in the winter)
Failing that, have a go at an annual like a 'Moonflower' which flowers only at night but is worth the effort as it's stunning to watch.

[Chipchopper]

If you want something for the summer months that you can change every year, you may like to checkout 'Morning glory' or 'Thumbergia' for a stunning and exotic effect.

[rosyposy]

I like Solanum (Chilean Potato Tree) It is semi evergreen and has Purple-blue flowers in July to October.It gets to 15' or more but I expect being in a pot will keep it in check. Choose 'Glasnevin' for extra hardiness. Cut back damaged and unwanted growth in April. We had one which grew over an arch and it was lovely. You can get a white one but it isn't as hardy -rosy