Non-poisonous climbing plants - Page 1

I am looking for some type of climbing vine, rose, etc... to use to climb up the wire of my outside dog kennel.  Not only to camouflage it but to also make it pleasing to the eye and I wanted to make sure that whatever I use isn't poisonous as the dogs in the kennel may chew on it at one point.  Does any one have any plant suggestions for me?

Mysti

 My suggestion is that this is a poor idea, period. Such a plant will provide a place for insects, and possibly stinging insects, snakes etc. to use as shelter as well. The dogs WILL eat it, regardless of whether it is toxic or not. There are nice screens that can go up on the outside of the fencing that will do what you need, or you can use fencing or trees away from the runs etc.

I have a beautiful vine of honeysuckle growing up the front's of my kennels.This honeysuckle is a highbred"pink"in color,it attracts hummingbirds and butterflys,its very hardy and very attractive,my dogs have not tore it up in 4 years so far.It also aids in a sun block for some parts of the kennel,I keep my water buckets right their where the vines are and it keeps the sun from heating the water.

I also knew a kennel owner who used trumpit vine on his kennels,and was as beautifull.

                                                                                                                                                            keycat

Don't laugh, but I planted 2 rows of corn along three sides of my kennel. The variant I used grows 6' (~2 m) tall and can be planted 6'' (~15 cm) apart. It grows quickly, provides excellent shade, acts as windbreak, and it's edible.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Mysti,

 What "zone" are you in? Your location if not familiar with the growing zones? Is the area in full sun? (6 Hours or more of full sun). Is the location in a windy area? What type of soil are you dealing with? I may be able to sugest something after knowing this information.....

Hi MaxBear, I can't remember what growing zone I am in.  I live in NW Montana.  The soil has a lot of clay and rocks in it and the plants will be in the sun for about half the day.  We usually don't get much wind.  If you need to know anything else let me know.

Here is a web site listing all pet-safe plants.

http://www.sniksnak.com/plants.html

Mysti,

  You are most likely in zone 4 from the area you stated, best case zone 5. Due to this you are rather limited in your climbing plant (perennial) choices. Lonicera 'Gold Flame' a climber that would require support has a nice scented orange throated pink flower (Clusters) that grows to about 15 feet. It would be best to build a lattice system a few feet from the kennel wall. This would keep the plant from direct contact with the dogs, yet provide shade and fragrance. It is not listed as poisonous. There are mant varities of Lonicera available. Many colour choices to use also.

Campsis 'Galen' is another choice, a great plant and would also require a support system seperate from the kennel. It can grow to lengths of 30 feet. Keep in mind these blooms will draw bees and other animal life (Humming Birds) other birds to nest. The bees may not be good to have so close in some folks opinons. If the climbing vines are kept close enough to provide shade and fragrance but placed far enough away, the bee problem would be minimal.

Hope they are of some help. There are many annual choices but few that would grow fast enough to be of much benefit in your shorter growing season.

Mysti

I have located a source that says Lonicera,Honeysuckle is Poisonous and I have a source that says it is not. Very confusing! They one book states is poisonous to horses but does not state anything about dogs, or in what amount it would have to digest to cause a problem. I don't think I would use it, without further expert opinon/study that proves it one way or the other. I would think that the best way still would be to insure it was not in direct contact with the kennel or in reach of the dogs.

American Horticulture Society

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