I don't have much of a green thumb but I would like to plant some Ivy similiar to wrigley field along the concrete wall that surrounds my backyard. I don't know if that will survive in Tucson, Az. and if it won't, what is a similiar plant that will. Also, how much should I order? I have about 50 ft. of wall that I would like to cover. I really don't have any idea how it works but I'm picturing bulbs that I would plant about every 6 - 12 inches. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, -Tim
Your best bet is to inquire of neighbours and nurseries near you. If you see something you like, ask about it. Good luck with your wall-covering project. Sounds like a lovely idea.
If the kind you like is nearby maybe you can take samples of it or pictures of it to a nursery to find out what it is and where it might be purchased (if the first place you go to doesn't have it).
Here is a list of vines for Phoenix. Most of these should do well in Tucson. The cat's claw will grow like ivy, attaching itself to a concrete wall. The palate of plants that grow in the desert around Tucson is very different from what grows in much of the USA. It will be worth looking up your local extension service and garden info sites. It will generally be better to buy your plants locally. Be careful if ordering plants from nurseries to get plants that tolerate the desert environment and also be careful not to introduce invasive plants into the environment. http://www.gardeninginarizona.com/Lists/PhoenixVines.html
Thanks to all for the replys. Eric, I took a look at some of the plants in the link you sent and they're a little more floral than what I had in mind. I think what I'm thinking of is Boston Ivy. It completely covers the wall: http://www.cubbiesbaseball.com/images/ivy.jpg I think it may require a more damp environment but would a good irrigation system do?
Algerian ivy may sunburn in reflected or direct sunlight (at least it does in Texas) so keep that in mind. HTH Chris
