Two climbers in one space?

[BlogOnTheTyne]

Does anyone know if I can plant two climbers - eg a wisteria and a clematis or a rose and a clematis, in one hole or will the root systems fight each other so much for nutrients that neither plant will survive?

I'm thinking about this for a key planting against the back of the house (south facing) but where the gap for climber/s is just one paving stone sized space left free when the patio was done.

I'd like to have a profusion of growth and flowers at different times and am aware that a wisteria might not even flower for years.

It's maybe not ideal but I don't see why you couldn't make it work. You will need to check what growing conditions the plants you're contemplating prefer. Clematis, for example, like the roots to be cool so if this spot is one that is baked by the sun all day, clematis may not be the best choice. Wisteria on time can get huge and may crowd out its companion etc etc etc.

Depending on what size you want them to grow, you could grow a clematis (certain smaller types anyway) in a half barrel or large pot? This link says which ones are suitable for pots apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=97

Thanks. Not sure I should risk planting both in same hole then.... Worried a container might dry out. Will have to keep thinking.

Further questions: Does anyone know where I can buy a specific, mature (7ft plus) guaranteed flowering specimen of Wisteria Shiro Kapitan, also known as Wisteria Venusta or Silky Wisteria and Wisteria Brachybotrys?

I've found a few places that can provide mature Wisteria Sinensis but not the one I'm after. Are there are specialist nurseries for mature wisteria plants?

Have you thought about planting one climber in the hole, and then using annual climbers like Morning Glory, or Black Eyed Susan to extend the interest?

What you need is the RHS Plant Finder. Ta da!

I would plant two climbers together, better to plant in the ground than in pots.
But as another poster says clematis prefer their roots in shade so not ideal.
How about a climbing rose instead? Or a solanum, which flower for a long time? The white one is esp lovely and likes a sunny sheltered wall. Or a trachelospermum which also loves a sunny wall.

This nursery sells large wisteria and will give advice on which is best to choose.
I have my eye on a wisteria floribunda macrobotrys which has the really long racemes, gorgeous!
www.silktree.co.uk/wisteria.html