cotfive 0 Report post Posted April 21, 2012 What is the best way to get Clematis to grow up a 4x4 wood pole. Is it best to string fishing line or does anyone have an idea that has worked well for them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dcsmith796 Report post Posted April 21, 2012 I've used heavy fishing line and it does work (and is mostly invisible). Just remember to leave a little space between the post and line, as clematis uses its leaf petioles like tendrils. They'll grab anything though - nails pounded into the pole, deer netting hanging off the post, they even had no problem with my wrought iron porch roof supports. It just has to be less than 3/4 of an inch around according to University of Illinois extension service. They recommend tying knots every 12" or so. If you have to go buy fishing line, remember it comes in different strengths, referred to as "pounds test" on the package, based on the number of pounds of force required to break it. So make sure you get heavy line - six pound test will break under the weight of the vines. Get the highest test you can get. Also be aware that monofilament is the typical, clear/translucent fishing line. Braided and wire lines are available in higher strengths, but are not clear so don't get those unless you're ok with the color - they will be a solid color (not clear/transparent). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cricket 7 Report post Posted April 25, 2012 I used downspout trellis on a post when I started hummingbird vine in my butterfly garden. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carolm 1 Report post Posted April 25, 2012 Or bird netting, assuming the vine will cover most of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Janet Macunovich 32 Report post Posted April 28, 2012 Yup and yup, in our experience -- we ask it to climb knotted string, fishing lines with loops at intervals, chain link, knobby sticks leaned toward a shrub it can grab hold of, etc. But on wood we really like giving it wood pegs to cling to -- just somehow looks more natural. We drill holes then pound in short lengths of wooden dowel. We drill in and down at an angle so the dowel angles up a little bit. If the dowel is parallel to the ground or angled down the clematis tendrils can slip off too easily.P.S. (Pardon but I altered your topic title a bit just to differentiate from the Clematis topic I'm adding.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
