Fences that are covered or decorated with plant life can complement a home, cottage, or park beautifully. As vertical structures, they increase the surface area on which specialized plants may spread their shoots and access more sunlight and ventilation. There’s a plant for just about any type of fence – whether it is made with recycled planks or woven with the most intricate metalwork. Furthermore, these plants offer services beyond the ornamental; they reliably invite wildlife and enhance privacy.
Vines are definitely the best options for fences as they are equipped with adaptations for vertical growth. Laden with aerial roots, tiny suction cups, and pliable stems, they can effortlessly scale immense lattices. As they densely wind around supporting structures, they form a natural screen that serves as a living, textural boundary. For year-round privacy and protection, perennial species are recommended.
Perennial vines may be evergreen, which means they are covered in foliage all year round, or deciduous, which means they may lose their foliage in either winter or summer. As these create a sturdy network of stems that may last for several years, keep in mind that they will likely require annual maintenance. Nonetheless, the benefits of their long-lived features far outweigh their demand for added support and pruning!
1) English ivy (Hedera helix)
One of the most versatile vines for fences, walls, garden arches, and pretty much any type of vertical structure, the English ivy is a fantastic, multi-purpose perennial. Now one of the most widespread kinds of ivy, it can cover large structures within a markedly short period. Its trailing stems can cling to bare walls without much human assistance. Once they have begun weaving through latticework, you’ll find that they will eagerly grow upward to heights of up to 98 feet (30 meters)!
An evergreen perennial, English ivy boasts a long-lived display of vibrant foliage. Its alternately arranged leaves have two forms: juvenile leaves have a palmate and lobed shape, whereas adult leaves are more triangular and unlobed. Depending on the variety or cultivar, these may be deep green or possess variegation. Variegated forms, which are more slow-growing, are preferred by many horticulturists as they are easier to manage.
English ivy grows best on fences with protection from direct sun. Ample shade, moisture, and nutrients encourage rapid stem growth. Over time, the young stems produce an abundance of aerial rootlets. Upon close inspection, you’ll find that these structures contain matted pads for latching onto substrates or flat structures. Note that this species may produce invasive colonies.
2) Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Often trained to grow on fences in subtropical to tropical regions, bougainvillea may have an evergreen or deciduous profile. In zones with warm winters, its leaves can remain on their stems all throughout the year. In chillier areas or regions with extended dry periods, it will naturally lose its foliage but should retain its tough network of stems. As young bougainvillea stems produce thorns, this species can be used as a means to prevent wild animals and intruders from entering your property.
The structure on which bougainvillea is grown, as well as the rate at which its stems elongate and are pruned, can significantly shape its appearance. When its stems are left to lengthen and arch over structures, they can produce more clusters of blooms. Constant pruning enhances the shape of a natural fence, but do note that it may impede flower production.
Gardeners often allow their bougainvillea vines to grow organically for some time – at least to ensure that the plant’s vibrant, modified leaves, known as “bracts”, greet the warmest months of the year with intense color. The bracts wrap around and protect the small, cream-colored blooms. As they come in a range of pink, purple, peach, white, and golden tones, they also function as an attractant to pollinators.
3) Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
For a vertical display of eye-catching bouquets, aim to cover your latticed fences in clusters of climbing hydrangeas. This phenomenal perennial produces corymb-type inflorescences, which contain two types of flowers – the central, fertile blooms are markedly tiny and tightly clustered, whereas the surrounding sterile flowers have larger petals and are more loosely arranged. When the fertile blooms are pollinated, they develop into seed-filled capsules.
A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, the climbing hydrangea maintains a deciduous habit in USDA hardiness zones 4 – 9. It climbs fences by producing twining stems and aerial rootlets. Young plants may take some time to securely latch onto vertical structures. Once they gain footing, they should spread quite vigorously to grow over large sections of your fence. Wrapping large fence structures with a loose mesh should provide more points to anchor the stems, encouraging denser growth.
Undeniably verdant in spring, climbing hydrangea begins to produce its deep-green, heart-shaped leaves after the final winter frosts. In summer, both young and mature plants require protection from full sun to prevent their leaves from drying out and scorching. The foliage is naturally retained in areas with partial to full shade. In fall, you’ll find that your fence transforms as the foliage turns golden.
4) American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)
A truly remarkable member of the Fabaceae or pea family, the American wisteria is an ideal climbing plant for fences in damp locations. Its wild colonies are found in swampy forests and typically thrive along the shores of ponds and streams. When provided with vertical support, its slender stems can reach heights of up to 30 feet (9 meters). One of their most distinct qualities is their tendency to wrap around supporting structures in a counter-clockwise manner.
Exceptionally beautiful in late spring to summer, American wisteria produces masses of drooping inflorescences. These are tightly packed with fragrant, lilac blooms. The flowers are accentuated by their backdrop of complex, deep-green leaves, which are divided into lance-shaped leaflets. Outside of the bloom period, the pinnate leaflets continue to give this vine a unique character. They do die back once temperatures drop, leaving a sturdy skeleton of woody stems.
Compared to other ornamental wisterias, like the Chinese wisteria (W. sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda), the American wisteria is less likely to develop aggressive colonies. Its mature stands favor full sun exposure and can tolerate brief periods of flooding. The stems do become heavy as they age, so it may be prudent to reinforce the strength of your fence to support older stems.
5) Common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
The common honeysuckle is often cultivated as an ornamental vine due to its stunning inflorescences. Its blooms can transform the most plain-looking fences into irresistible spots for pollinators. Passersby are likely to stop and smell the fragrant blooms while admiring their alluring hues and slender features. Produced in late spring to fall, the tubular blooms typically have crimson to pink petals and light yellow throats.
Able to scale fences with the help of its twining stems, this honeysuckle is frequently used as an alternative to its close cousin, the Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica). Though it can grow around other shrubs and block out light, it is not as competitive as the latter. Keep in mind, however, that optimal conditions will help it reach a considerable height (~20 feet).
The ‘Serotina’ or late Dutch cultivar of L. periclymenum would be a fine choice for low fences as it is slow-growing yet relatively compact. Hardy to USDA zones 5 – 9, it thrives under both full and partial sun in moderate climates. A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it can tolerate a wide range of substrates and can be trained to maintain its appearance as a natural screen.
6) Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
Generally regarded as one of the most beautiful twining plants in its native range, the Carolina jessamine thrives in subtropical to tropical locations. Also known as woodbine, confederate jasmine, and evening trumpetflower, it is set apart by its late winter to springtime throes of bright yellow blooms. Strongly scented, these should unfailingly attract hordes of pollinators to your fence.
In the wild, Carolina jessamine usually grows towards the tops of low trees. Without support, it naturally spreads as ground cover. Supporting structures allow its stems to quickly trail to upwards of 20 feet (6 meters) in optimal conditions. It favors full sunlight and will gradually spread out into areas where its leaves can efficiently photosynthesize.
This perennial vine is evergreen in USDA hardiness zones 6 – 10. Cool temperatures may be tolerated by mature specimens, but these will cause their foliage to develop bronze hues. Prolonged droughts cause the foliage to fall, but replenished moisture should have them growing back in almost no time. When handling the leaves and stems, make sure to use gloves as they contain a toxic sap.
7) Creeping fig (Ficus pumila)
For a neat and uniformly planted fence, you simply can’t go wrong with creeping fig. Commonly cultivated as a houseplant due to its petite leaves and fine stems, it can be used to cover both small and expansive supporting structures. Its stems can reach a maximum height of around 40 feet (12 meters) if they are rooted into rich substrates and are not pruned back regularly. Specimens that are used to create an even, natural screen typically grow to about 13 feet (4 meters) tall.
The creeping fig can scale smooth surfaces by producing specialized aerial rootlets. These contain secretory organs that emit a sticky latex. This functions much like glue, hardening over time to keep the stems in place. While this aids in securing the stems to walls, trellises, or fences, keep in mind that it will also make it difficult to remove them without damaging paint or wood finishes.
When grown close to shrubs and trees, the creeping fig’s self-supporting stems may spread to coat bark and compete with the foliage of other species for sunlight. As it is fast-growing under full sun to partial shade, it may prove to be a potentially invasive plant. Regularly pruning overgrown stems should help prevent uncontrollable spread. As this vine is toxic to many mammals, it is not recommended for fences that are easily accessed by pets.
8) Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
A perennial vine that can quickly grow to a maximum height of about 30 feet (9 meters), the Dutchman’s pipe has many notable features. Its common name refers to the quirky morphology of its yellow-green blooms. Upon close inspection, you’ll find that the blooms have an uncanny resemblance to a smoking pipe. These are typically hidden beneath the plant’s large foliage, so you may need to lift a few leaves to spot one in May or June.
Dutchman’s pipe initially grows as a stiff and unpliable vine. Over time, its stems become increasingly woody yet flexible. As these bear large leaves, which tend to neatly overlap one another to create a cloak-like shield, this vine is perfect for adding privacy around the garden. It also creates deep shade, so it is suitable for arches and trellises.
Like other members of the genus Aristolochia, this species contains a carcinogenic substance called aristolochic acid. Though caterpillars, particularly those of the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor), can consume the leaves without harm, other leaf-eating animals are unlikely to be immune to their toxic effects.
9) Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
A member of the Vitaceae or grape family, the Virginia creeper possesses palmately compound leaves. Often considered a distinguishing feature for grapevines, the leaves are made up of 5 leaflets – each attached to a central leafstalk. Each leaflet has toothed margins and may measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The entire leaves can thus be quite massive and, collectively, can hide the unsightly components of artificial fences or trellises.
In the wild, this perennial creeper can reach an impressive height of about 100 feet (30 meters)! It can latch onto smooth and rough surfaces using its fine tendrils. On the tips of these are adhesive pads with a strength that is remarkable for their size. The stems can spread quite aggressively, covering large swathes of vegetation and competing with them for resources.
Despite its tendency to spread aggressively, many gardeners continue to cover fences with the Virginia creeper because of its seasonal interest. In fall, its leaves develop deep-red to burgundy hues. These warm tones can completely transform the look of one’s property, making it all the more inviting as temperatures begin to drop.
10) Silver lace vine (Fallopia baldschuanica)
The silver lace vine or “Bukhara fleeceflower” is frequently cultivated as a fence vine because of its fast-growing nature. This fantastic member of the knotweed or Polygonaceae family is a decorative perennial with many uses in the garden. Its lacy blooms attract honeybees and are great for hiding artificial supporting structures. They come in dense, terminal clusters that thrive beneath the extended daylight hours of summer.
Apart from quickly spreading via its network of creeping stems, the silver lace vine also has a knack for growing aggressively underground. Its robust rhizomes are especially productive in rich soils, where they may compete with the root systems of other plants for space and nutrients. To prevent this vine from growing out of bounds, consider restricting its roots to within containers or dedicated plots along a fence. Excess aerial growth should also be trimmed regularly.
This vine’s textural inflorescences dramatically complement their underlying, deep-green foliage. The young leaves may initially possess light tinges of red to brown hues, but they become uniformly green over time. Mature leaves drop when exposed to hard freezes, but they are soon replaced by new foliage in spring.
