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Mica
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 02:12 am EST : |   
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Meet my old friend, Fig:
It's at least 80 years old, and suffered from a so-called arborist's heavy hand. That was 5 years ago, and this is the first year we've had figs since "the chopping." One large branch has not offered leaves in all this time, and on another topic, the suggestion of a climbing rose was made. I am liking the sound of that.
I don't want something that will harn the tree, but I'd also like to pretty it up a little.
Any ideas for a rose or other climber that will be friends with this fig?
Mica
- CA,
Zone "9a"
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Euphorbphreak
My Weather
My Time
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 04:01 am EST : |
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This is a tough one. I know from experience (and frustration) that fig roots are very hungry and will easily outcompete most plants. Plus, they don't really want much summer water, if any (mine get none), so if you plant a summer-water vine, the fig may not be happy. But there are some California native vines that might like that branch, such as Clematis ligusticifolia, Lonicera hispidula, and Vitis californica (the California wild grape -- 'Roger's Red' is particularly attractive).
Another option is potted plants around the base so you don't have the root competition and water problem.
In my opinion, whoever that arborist was should have their license rescinded!
David, the other CA, 10/17 |
Gardenfiend
My Weather
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 04:36 am EST : |
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If you do want a rose (would be pretty!) it should work if you can manage to bury a bottomless bucket (the bigger, the better) between the roots of the fig. Fill the bucket with good soil, plant the rose in it and water well and directly into the bucket. Roses root more deeply than widely, so you should be able to keep the roots reasonably well isolated.
Gardenfiend
- Germany,
Zone "7a"
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