vine for dead tree

16 years ago

I have an apricot that gave up the ghost last year. I didn't cut it because I want to grow a vine using the tree for support to replace the shade. The shade garden isn't doing well without the apricot.

I'm probably looking for a two stage solution, fast growing annual and long term perennial. They need to grow over 15 ft and branch. Of course winter hardy in Zone 3 would be nice. We had a few nights of -40 C and F this year.

Any suggestions?

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Comments (5)

midnightsmum (Z4, ON)
16 years ago
How about a fast growing, attractive perrenial??? Yes, Virginia, you can have it all!! Hops!! They are really fast growers, and attractive, imho!

Nancy.

Here is a link that might be useful: U of Vermont
Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
16 years ago
I vote for sweet autumn clematis! Itll be gorgeous in a tree, and smells amazing! in my neighborhood there is an old telephone pole covered in a trumpet vine, quite a site in bloom and hummers love it. I dont know how you feel about morning glories, but that could be a temporary solution also. Good luck! Do you have any pictures to show?
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ljpother
Original Author
16 years ago
The leaves still on the tree died by the end of summer. Maybe it will come back. :( The tree is about 15 ft high and spreads about 10 ft to one side along the fence. I plan on trimming out the smaller branches to get a frame work for vining plants and perhaps hanging baskets.

{{gwi:103943}}

I've found morning glories slow to fill out, late August. In the first instance, I'm looking for something quick and hardy. Veggies can work if they don't need to root along the vine.
zigzag
16 years ago
My knee jerk reaction to your query was to suggest my pet annoyance, Five Leaf Akebia, but I'm not sure it's hardy in your zone. If it is w/in your zone and if the tree is really dead and you want to cloak it, this vine will take over in a heartbeat.

Considered invasive in some areas (I label it aggressive), here it's semi-evergreen and absolutely loves vertical challenges. I've had one plant on each side of my yard (planted up against a fence) for about 7 years now. Each now horizontally spans 20' in both directions from the root and has twined up bird feeder supports making a leafy grotto. Further, it sends up tendrils to overhanging trees and about three times each summer I have to literally rip it out of the canopy. I get my tall son to do this for me - last time he drooly said .... "and you planted this ON PURPOSE????". Yep, but the good news is that all its aggression is vertical - I have no problem w/ground self-seeding or anything like that.

If it would survive in your zone, and if you truly want an aggressive vine to cloak the tree ..... look into Five Leaf Akebia. As annoying as mine are, I still love 'em!
moongardengirl
16 years ago
I vote for sweet autumn clematis too!