How can I get vines to cling to a cinder block wall?

Question

I'm trying to get vines to climb a cinderblock wall, they don't want to cling. I've tried using some small strips of tape to kind of hold the vines to the wall in hopes that they would attach themselves and I try to keep the wall damp but no luck getting the vines to cling. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas as to what I can do?

Answer 1

You've got the wrong type of vine for climbing cement walls. You need the type of vines that are sticky rather than twining or tendrils. Boston, English, and Trumpet vine would work on cement walls. However, since you already have whatever vine it is you are trying to train up the wall, then you will need to supply additional support like lattice, wire, chicken wire, or something they can grab hold of.
Good luck

Answer 2

That depends on the vine. Some vines put out little "feet" that will stick to a wall without any support. Other vines send out shoots that will coil around any supporting structure they can get a hold of. It sounds like you have this second type of vine, so if you want that particular wall to appear covered, you'll need a trellis. If you're not attached (no pun intended) to that particular vine and want one that will adhere directly to the wall, check with your local garden center and tell them what you're looking for.

Answer 3

Wetting the wall isn't going to help you any, the leaves don't absorb the water...roots do. Try a trellis that you can lean against the wall, you probably have a twining vine instead of a disc vine that will act like little suction cups and attach themselves to walls.
The difference is explained here. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/244355/gardening_tips_how_to_train_climbing.html

Answer 4

Using the correct drill bit for the job, drill holes in the cinder. Run in galvanized screws to give the vines something to attach to. Drill in some screws at a lower level, wrap the vine there for start. Space the screws 6-10 inches apart.

Answer 5

Get a sring trellis at the garden store and afix it to the wall, top and bottom. I'm sure there are appropriate screws or bolts which can be used. Or use a trellis or some of those decorative open-work wood panels the are used to skirt decks. Don't know what they are called.

Answer 6

put up a trellis behind the vines & they will latch onto the trellis & wall...