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DH is almost done with our pergola and I have a mandevilla I'd like to train up the columns. It is a twining vine, and I know will twine nicely on something with a smaller radius. But the pillars are quite thick, so should I use string, or will they twine up the pillars? They are about 8-10 inches around.

Shook, they will eventually twine up the pillars. However, if it were me, I'd give them a helping hand and use a little twine for starters. The vines have to get long enough to curl around. Without support they will just become a tangled mess and are easily broken trying to untangle them.

This is going to be so pretty!!! What colors are the mandevilla?

Just a thought on how I'd do it anyway.

ve

Good idea to use twine.
I wrapped my columns in a loose spiral and gently worked in the tendrils as they got long enough. (Confederate Jasmine and Muscadine grape) When it reached the top and had a good hold, I removed the string.

Gosh shook, the Mandavilla isn't winter hardy here in PA. are you going to cut it back and over winter it?

Thanks, ladies!

Vera, I bought a red one. Red is my color this year.

Z9, trying to picture what you suggested. Did you wrap the pillars with the twine, or just attach a straight line up? I've seen the straight line, but was hoping they'd wrap around the pillars.

BT, I cut back and overwintered a mandevilla last year and it came back wonderfully. So, yes that is my plan. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

This is a photo from Spring 2011, if you look close you can still see the small white rope I have wrapped around the column. It's in 3 places, bottom, middle and top.

It's gone now, the Jasmine is on it's way across the top now.