When it comes to the fastest possible, large-scale greening, the climbing knotweed (Fallopia baldschuanica) is an excellent choice - hardly any other climbing plant grows as quickly and densely as the knotweed. Due to its strong, crowding growth, however, it is not suitable for all locations and should also be cut back regularly.
The knotweed is a climbing plant
Knotweed is one of the creepers
Climbing plants are divided into four groups based on the climbing technique. In addition to the clinging root climbers (e.g. ivy, climbing hydrangea), there are also climbing plants (e.g. clematis), spreading climbers (e.g. blackberries) and the creepers, which also include the climbing knotweed. Creepers climb up a support, which they twine or twine tightly around. For this reason, the knotweed absolutely needs a climbing aid.
Suitable climbing aids for the knotweed
Climbing aids should be attached in such a way that the knotweed is kept away from gutters, pipes, cables, windows and roofs - the plant has a considerable destructive power. Attach stable trellis (bamboo as a material is unsuitable for this), trellises or rope systems in such a way that they keep the plant away from the facade etc. Although the knotweed thrives in the shade, like all climbing plants, it always strives towards the sun.
Knotweed not suitable for mixed planting
Also due to the strong, crowding growth, the knotweed is not suitable for mixed planting and should be planted as far away as possible, especially from trees and shrubs. These are easily embraced and crushed - over time, the knotweed even manages to cause strong trees to die and thus topple over. When planting, make sure that the knotweed has enough space and area to grow - balconies or similar are also unsuitable for the same reason.
Stop knotweed in good time
With a growth rate of up to eight (and more meters) per year, the knotweed is one of the strongest-growing climbing plants of all. Its shoots become lignified, and the plant forms a substantial trunk over time. In addition, the knotweed wraps itself around everything that gets in its way and can cause considerable damage in the process. In order to avoid this and excessive growth, the plant must be cut back regularly.
- Radical pruning takes place in early spring.
- The knotweed is cut back close to the ground.
- All previous year's shoots are removed.
- The new shoots are guided along the trellis as desired.
- Shoots growing in an unsuitable direction must be removed immediately.
tips and tricks
The knotweed family is very species-rich. In addition to the Fallopia baldschuanica climbing plant, there is also a ground-covering and several perennial knotweeds that are also suitable for the home garden.