Climbers through a walnut tree

[StyleDesperation]

I have a mature walnut tree, it looks lovely when the spring foliage emerges, but the rest of the time it's pretty dull (in my opinion) and we never get any nuts as the squirrels make off with them. Would it be possible to grow a climber through it, and any suggestions which one? Thank you!

I think walnuts give off a chemical that inhibits other plant growth so you'd need something that could withstand that.

I have a feeling I've seen clematis grown up walnuts so maybe that's somewhere to start? Might be worth thinking about flowering season as clematis can vary and you want something that won't clash with the walnut.

It will need to be shade tolerant so that it had a chance to get going and it'll probably need some help with watering for the first few years as the tree with take a lot of the soil moisture.

The clematis will also look dull out of season though, thinking about it...

No, nothing will grow under the walnut tree.

Thanks for your replies. @LeafOfTruth a clematis is a good idea, if I planted one with interesting seed heads it would extend the season at least.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon I like a challenge! Seriously though, I know that the chemical juglone is an issue but I believe that black walnut is more of a problem than common walnut (which is what I have). There is currently holly, forsythia and spirea growing around it (not planted by me) which is what inspired me to think about adding a climber.

In the interests of anyone else out there wanting to do anything similar, I did a lot of googling this morning and found this site with a list of plants that will grow under/around a walnut, assuming the other conditions are right. It looks like clematis will be my best option for a climber.

balkanecologyproject.blogspot.com/2015/09/plants-that-can-be-grown-around-walnuts.html?m=1

It’s also the shade, walnuts throw very deep shade and the dry conditions under the tree.

Could you try a clematis in a big pot?

Anyway though, it’s always worth trying! 🌳

A big pot is a good idea. I will give it a go, and report back. Possibly a shade tolerant climbing rose could work in a pot although possibly the root system would be too big.

If you try to plant, plant at the edge of the canopy and give support until it reaches the lowest branches.

If it’s a large tree, look at Vitis coignetiae. Not interesting in summer, but autumn colour is an astonishing pinkish red.