Re: climbers for a southeast facing pergola

I am not a vine expert, but most Passifloras are not drought tolerant.  I lost two different species by going away and not watering for two weeks in warm weather.  If you want a Passiflora, choose the species carefully, as like CYndi says, most tolerate only a little frost - some will die back to the ground and resprout every year after a frost.  Some are extremely rampant (such as P.Mollissima) and will totally cover a structure rapidly, and need constant pruning, and others less so.  SOme speices prefer part shade
Richard
 

"f. cardama" wrote:

I am in the exciting position to plant a southeast facing pergola just outside my kitchen.I will plant climbers to climb up three columns and then spread over wires up to the building.the paved area underneath is to be used for breakfast in the cool season since it gets all the morning sun until past midday ( breakfast in spain can be a little late) :).and dinners in summer.wellcome suggestions. temps max 42C min -2C. soil appalling. can water but will only do so if pushed.
 

Cyndi Norman wrote:

How about a passiflora (Passion Flower)?  It grows fast, casts shade,
climbs by itself (you may need to guide it a bit in the beginning; after
that just hack off where it doesn't fit), and is very pretty.

Some varieties will not make it through the winter you describe.  I have
passiflora jamsemii (sp?) which has nice red flowers and no fruit.  It died
back after 3 nights of freezing temps a year ago (lowest 24 degrees F).
But now it covers my front porch.  It only took a few months to come back.
Some varieties are more cold hardy and will have no trouble with your
temps.

.if it's well above 90F you might need a bit of water).  I had no problems even
during a heat wave into the 90's for several days.

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