When you look out of your window do you see lovely flowers and garden displays to be proud of or do you have an unwanted eyesore, perhaps an unsightly chain-link fence or an old wooden fence? There is a perfect answer, you can plant a living screen, not to just cover this area up but to enhance your outdoor space, making it smell sweeter and look better. Trailing plants come in all different kinds to suit different soil types and for fences that are either in sunny places or less sunny areas.
You will find that growing plants on a fence is not rocket science and it is a relatively easy job even for new gardeners, whilst it can offer an interesting enough challenge for the more seasoned planter!
Editor’s Note [06.09.2024]:
Our article “How to Grow Vines and Plants on a Wooden Fence” was originally published on November 20, 2014. Today has seen a major update with revisions to the article. New sections added include choosing the right climbing plants on a fence, including sections about clematis, ivy and wisteria. We have also added content about the benefits of fast-growing vines and preparing your wooden fence, as well as a summary.
Preparation and initial thoughts
Before deciding on the ideal climbing plants or vines that you want to use to brighten up your garden, you need to find which way your fence is facing, is it sunny side up or more in the shade? Use a compass because just guessing can cause you heartaches later on. If you have:
- North-facing fence - is always in the shade
- East-facing fence - can be exposed to differing temperatures that only hardier plants can master
- South-facing fence - can accommodate plants and vines that can tolerate milder winters
- West-facing fence - your climbers can appreciate the warm sun in both the afternoon and evening
Additionally, it is important to avoid using invasive species, which can negatively impact local ecosystems by suppressing native plants. Instead, choose non-invasive plant options to protect your fence's integrity and the surrounding environment.
Choosing the best plants to add on a fence
Choosing the best plants to add on a fence can be a challenge. One option is climbing plants, but which are the best types to choose?
Before you decide on which climbing plants are best for you, it is wise to consider the following factors:
- Aesthetic appeal - choose climbing plants that complement the desired aesthetic of your garden, considering flower colour, foliage type, and seasonal interest
- Climate suitability - ensure the chosen climbing plants can thrive in your local climate conditions, including temperature ranges and rainfall patterns
- Growth rate - consider the growth rate of the climbing plants; fast-growing vines quickly cover a fence, while slower-growing varieties may require more time and patience
- Maintenance needs - evaluate the maintenance requirements of the plants, including pruning, watering and fertilising, to ensure they fit your gardening capabilities and schedule
- Soil type - assess the soil quality and pH level in your garden and choose climbing plants that are compatible with these soil conditions
- Sunlight exposure - determine the amount of sunlight your fence receives daily and select plants that match these light conditions, whether full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Support structure - ensure your fence or additional support structures can adequately support the weight and growth habit of the climbing plants you select
- Native plants - consider choosing native plants like wisteria, which are well-suited to local climates and support local wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies
So, what are the best plants for growing on a wooden fence? To help you decide we list five of the most popular climbing plants below including the characteristics of each plant type as well as aftercare.
Fast-growing vines for fences - selecting quick-growing options
The planting and care of any twining plants chosen will of course depend on the individual ones you pick. As a helpful guide, information on five popular choices, Morning Glory and the very fragrant climber – honeysuckle, are detailed below. Also featured are clematis, ivy and wisteria, which also make excellent choices.
1) Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a very popular choice because of its pretty blue flowers, sweet scent, dark green foliage and because it flowers over the summer, Morning Glory vines can withstand dry and poor soils. Plant these annual climbing vines about ½ an inch deep and allow about 8 - 12 inches of space between each plant.
Aftercare
They will require some support structures to grow on, but once established Morning Glory is a relatively easy option, you can water them in dry spells and they can tolerate some water but not over-watering or wet conditions. Deadhead the climbing flowers to avoid them spreading more than you want them to!
2) Honeysuckle
A pretty perennial climbing vine is the highly scented - honeysuckle. They are great lovers of sunshine and can tolerate partial shade, making them adaptable to various well-drained soil types.
Aftercare
These graceful trailing climbers will need support on your fence, as they quickly begin to cover your unsightly space with their lovely flowers and distinctive scent. Make sure you thin out any dead woody areas on the upper parts of the plant, it is best to do this in the autumn or winter. This tip will help maintain it along with doing some general pruning. The honeysuckle vine can actually withstand quite heavy pruning and will happily bounce back. Each year you will be rewarded with a beautiful display of flowers for a little effort, and it will attract wildlife of all kinds.
3) Clematis
This is a highly regarded garden climber, which is renowned for its stunning variety of colours, shapes and sizes of flowers, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your outdoor space. Clematis are perennial vines which prefer rich, well-drained soil and thrive best in a sunny location where their roots are kept cool and shaded. Plant Clematis vines about one inch deep, ensuring the crown is covered, and allow around two to three feet of space between each plant.
Aftercare
Clematis vines need a sturdy support structure to climb, a heavy-duty fence, maybe a trellis or an arbour. Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Mulching around the base to keep the roots cool and moist is advisable. Pruning is important to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering, so remove dead or weak stems in late winter or early spring.
4) Ivy
Ivy is an evergreen climber known for its vigorous growth and ability to cover fences, walls and ground areas with lush green foliage. There are dozens of popular varieties (e.g. Boston ivy, English ivy, Irish ivy, and Persian ivy, etc.) Ivy is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but generally prefers well-drained soil. Plant Ivy vines about half an inch deep, with approximately 18 inches of space between each plant. Evergreen shrubs like Ivy provide year-round coverage and enhance privacy and aesthetic appeal in your garden.
Aftercare
Ivy requires minimal support and will cling to surfaces with aerial roots. It is relatively low maintenance and you do not need to be a gardening expert! Ivy benefits from regular pruning to control its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive (especially to neighbouring properties). Ivy is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during prolonged dry spells will keep it looking at its best. We advise there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases from becoming established.
5) Wisteria – a woody vine
Wisteria is an ornamental climber and woody vine, which is renowned for its cascading clusters of lilac or blue fragrant flowers that bloom in the UK spring. These hardy perennials prefer fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny location. Plant Wisteria as fast growing vines for fences about 1 inch deep allowing at least 10 to 15 feet of space between each plant to accommodate their vigorous growth. Climbing hydrangea is another alternative option to wisteria for shady areas and privacy fences, which is known for its shade tolerance, minimal maintenance and lacy white flowers.
Aftercare
Wisteria demands a strong support structure, so heavy-duty fencing or maybe a pergola or sturdy arbour are ideal. This is because the woody vines of species like Wisteria Frutescens can become quite heavy. Regular watering is essential during the growing season, especially in dry weather spells. Pruning twice a year is crucial to maintain shape and to encourage flowering. Prune once in summer to cut back new growth and again in late winter to trim excess wood.
Benefits of fast-growing vines
Here are just some of the benefits to consider of fast growing vines for fences:
- Aesthetic appeal - they offer rapid aesthetic enhancement, transforming bare structures into lush, green spaces filled with vibrant foliage and flowers
- Air quality – they contribute to air quality improvement by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen
- Microclimate - they quickly establish a microclimate, offering shade and cooling effects during hot weather
- Natural barrier – fast growing vines for fences act as a natural barrier, deterring intruders and providing a habitat for garden wildlife
- Rapid coverage - they provide quick coverage for fences and walls, making them an excellent choice for enhancing privacy in your garden
- Reducing soil erosion - fast growing vines for fences help in reducing soil erosion by covering and stabilising the ground more efficiently
Avoiding invasive species
It is important to avoid invasive species, which are non-native and can negatively impact local ecosystems by suppressing native plants. Instead, opt for non-woody vines that pose less risk to the fence's integrity and the surrounding environment.
Preparing your wooden fence - getting your fence ready for plants and vines
Before adding climbing plants, it is imperative to check the existing fence condition. Worn-out or broken fencing will not do the job. Climbing plants are heavy and their weight will undermine the structural integrity of the fence if it is not in good working condition. Additionally, choosing native species enhances your garden and reduces the likelihood of potential damage to the fence.
It is also wise to prepare the soil. Add extra compost if necessary and add fertiliser and plant-specific nutrients for your chosen climbing plant into the soil.
We would also recommend treating the fence with a top-quality wood preservative. This will help to prevent rot and deter pests. Once a climbing plant is established, it will make future treatments more awkward to provide.
Installing supports for a vines fence
Although climbing plants will establish themselves on solid panel fencing, some help will not go amiss! Adding trellis or lattice panels as well as wiring or netting underneath will only help the climbing plants to flourish on a vines fence.
Planting and training vines
Below we list some planting and training advice for plants on a fence. Although we cover our five shortlisted vines here, we want to also mention training climbing roses. Varieties such as 'Iceberg' and 'Gertrude Jekyll', trained over fences will improve your garden aesthetics, and provide beauty, privacy and effective garden zoning.
1) Planting techniques for different vine types
Clematis should be planted in well-drained soil with its roots shaded and vines exposed to sunlight, ensuring the crown is 2-3 inches below the surface. Ivy can be planted in the ground or containers, thriving in shaded areas but tolerating full sun, spaced 12-18 inches apart. Wisteria requires fertile, well-drained soil and full sun, planted at the same depth as in its nursery pot, with a strong support structure due to its vigorous growth. Morning Glory prefers well-drained soil and full sun, planted about half an inch deep with 8-12 inches between plants. Honeysuckle should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil, either in sun or partial shade, and requires sturdy support to climb effectively.
2) Watering and fertilising requirements
Clematis needs regular watering, especially during dry periods and benefits from mulching to retain moisture, with a balanced fertiliser applied in early spring and post-flowering. Ivy requires less maintenance, needing regular watering during dry spells and minimal fertiliser, typically just once in spring.
Wisteria demands thorough watering during its initial years to establish a robust root system, becomes drought-tolerant once established, and benefits from a light application of low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring to encourage blooming. Morning Glory needs consistent watering, particularly during dry spells, and a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Honeysuckle benefits from regular watering, especially in dry weather, and should be fertilised in early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to promote healthy growth and flowering.
3) Training vines on a wooden fence
This article focuses on vines. You might want to also consider the versatility of using other plants, such as trees and shrubs, to enhance privacy in your outdoor spaces. Here are some training tips for each of the five vines we shortlisted previously:
Initial training techniques
For clematis and honeysuckle, tie the young vines gently with soft garden ties or twine, ensuring the vines are positioned horizontally to encourage fuller coverage. Ivy, which is self-clinging, may initially need guidance using small nails or garden clips to ensure it spreads evenly. Wisteria, known for its vigorous growth, requires a strong trellis or wire, with young vines securely tied and trained horizontally. Morning Glory vines should be planted about half an inch deep and eight to twelve inches apart, then gently tied to the support as they grow.
Pruning and guiding growth
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of your vines. Clematis should be pruned in early spring to remove dead wood and encourage blooming. Ivy requires pruning in late winter or early spring to manage overgrowth and shape the plant. Wisteria benefits from biannual pruning: once in summer after flowering and again in late winter to promote blooms.
Morning Glory requires minimal pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms. Honeysuckle should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or overgrown branches, and regular guiding and securing of new growth are necessary to maintain shape.
Ensuring even coverage and healthy growth
To ensure even coverage and healthy growth, regularly inspect and adjust the direction of your vines fence. For clematis, train the vines to spread out across the fence, water regularly, and apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Ivy, which thrives with minimal maintenance, should be watered during dry periods and lightly fertilised in spring.
Wisteria needs regular watering during dry spells and a low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring. Morning Glory should be checked regularly, adjusted for direction and provided with balanced fertiliser every four to six weeks during the growing season. Honeysuckle benefits from regular watering, especially in dry weather and a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring, with mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
Grow your own – raised beds and planters’ video
Fancy setting up your own garden? Take a look at our video on raised beds and planters or check out our range here.
Contact information
Growing plants on a fence is a rewarding activity for a gardener. Although we do not sell plants, we certainly have all the fencing products you will need. Why not contact Buy Fencing Direct in any of these ways:
- Call us at - 0333 003 0515
- E-mails – use our contact form to send emails
- Live chat – communicate in real-time through Live Chat app messaging. This can be accessed at the bottom left corner of the screen