Well, it's a big vine (can reach 60-80' in height) but I'd not consider it "very" vigorous. In fact, it can take quite awhile to get established and even then, growth is nowhere near as rampant as it is say wisteria, honeysuckle or even a number of species clematis. That size container is not nearly large enough to accommodate this vine for very long and yes, growth will be slow and quite stunted. It also attaches (climbs) by root-like holdfasts, so a trellis generally is not a great support system - it needs something with a wide surface, like large tree trunk, a fence or wall or the side of a structure.

I hate to burst your bubble, but this is not a vine that will grow happily long term in a container.

Today the landscape designer who is installing a patio for me assured me a climbing hydrangea would be fine , but I'm more confident of the info I get here, esp from gardengal48, who I think has steered me in the right direction many times before!

So now, if not the CH, what DO I plant? Here's the scene: carport with a side overhang, under which I keep my garbage cans and gardening junk. I'd like to front that section of the carport with trellis, and have something climb the trellis, look fabulous, hide the junk, and live in this quite large pot. The house is north facing, and there is precious little light so far, but it will get better soon, resulting in probably 3-4 hours of late afternoon sun by June. There is room for two pots side by side.

Whoever has any idea, however far out, I'm open...

Thanks,

J

I assume there is no chance to plant inground? Clematis armandii is evergreen and very vigorous and will tolerate some pretty shady areas but it too will get too large to grow well in a container. How 'bout bamboo? Great evergreen screening plant and very well suited to container growth - perhaps better in a container than in the ground if you select a rapidly growing running form :-) But there are clumpers that would work as well.

A larger evergreen, shade tolerant shrub could work also, something like aucuba or fatsia. Perhaps even a camellia - Camellia sasanqua can be trained to espalier along the trellis and offers late fall into winter blooms. All will need a good sized container, something in the 24-30" depth and equally as wide or wider.

I have 2 CH and both are SLOW growers... not even a bloom yet. Its been 2.5 years now... this year, the leaves are popping up but still no blooms... I wouldnt think it would do very well in a container....