No - it prefers a moist soil.

Are these other climbers also to go in dry soil? That's a bit difficult to answer without knowing which direction the area faces - is it in sun or shade?

Thanks-that rules that one out.The wall is facing East and is sheltered.The problem is,due to a privacy issue,we have had to plant the dreaded Lleylandii,and they suck so much moisture out of the bed,plus the shade they impose,even a russian vine has died this summer!!!
I wish I had planted very tall bamboo,but they have been in about 8 years and do sort the privacy problem.To start again now seems a bit overwhelming,and would cause quite a long-term privacy issue till the bamboo got established.
Naominomad

I'm wondering if Clematis montana might survive there - although it's not evergreen.. but Ivies would, and you can get some very pretty variegated ones. Just be careful that they can't harm the wall - if it's in poor condition, they can penetrate the mortar.

They'd be happy rambing through the Leylandii, though - and they're very eco-friendly!