Chain link mesh fences are cost-effective and easy to install but they can be pretty dull and plain looking. The easiest way to add a touch of colour to your fence is by growing a vibrant vine.
Creepers and climbers not only soften the look of your metal barriers with natural foliage but also protect the privacy of your home by covering the gaps. They can hide unsightly structures on your lawn and link architectural forms.
Vines grow in tropical and temperate climates. Some can be trained to branch out on trellises while others spread as shrubs or ground covers. You can plant flower vines, fruit vines, and aromatic vines.
Vines are not only good for your fence. They are beautiful additions to small gardens, balconies, and courtyards with vertical planting space. They provide the following benefits:
Connect buildings to the garden
Climbing plants growing over a structure can provide a seamless link between structures and the garden. Vines are a natural way to create shade and improve the lighting of your greenery. Deciduous climbers allow sunlight to penetrate through the structure when they shed their leaves during winter.
Soften a brick wall
Breathe life into your brick walls by covering them with climbing rose plants. Some species bloom for extended periods if planted in the correct position.
Create a romantic atmosphere
Wisteria over pergolas and walls add a romantic touch to the garden. Available in purple, pink and white varieties, these flowering vines are deciduous and resistant to frost.
Sprinkle your yard with colour
The bougainvillea from South America dazzles with colour over long periods. It is quite a robust vine so make sure you have enough space and support. Grown the right way, bougainvillea’s reward you with year-long colour that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Boston ivy, Virginia creeper, and ornamental grapes also bring a splash of stunning colour during autumn.
Embellish with flowers
Turn those metal wires into a thing of beauty with bold, beautiful flowers. The prettiest floral climbing plants are passion flowers, red trumpet vine, Brazilian jasmine, and the New Zealand native evergreen clematis.
Add a whiff of perfume
Scented vines add an extra sensory dimension to gardens. The most fragrant climbers include star jasmine, wax flower, clematis, lemon-scented jasmine, purple wreath vine, snail flower, and chocolate vine.
Tips on how to properly grow a vine on your fence
If you are going to grow a vine on your fence, make sure that the fence can support it. Vines can grow at rapid speed especially when there is an abundance of sunlight. They can easily overload or choke your fence.
Flowers need lots of water to grow. Wood hates excessive moisture. It is also susceptible to rotting, warping, moulding, and bug infestation. Best to avoid woody vines such as wisteria and trumpet vine if you are growing plants on a wooden fence.
If you are growing vines for more privacy, you should consider perennial vines. These plants grow slow throughout the year but last for many years. Annual vines grow fast but only last around 12 months.
You can also plant perennial and annual vines together so that the annual fills the gaps while the perennial is still growing. Experiment with different plant combinations to add more colours and textures to your fence.
Visit your local garden centre and ask for the best type of vines for your climate. Some creepers are toxic to pets – be sure to avoid them. There are vines that are known to be aggressive towards other plants so always check what you are purchasing.
Keep in mind that all climbing plants will eventually add extra height and weight to your fence. Make sure they are regularly trimmed to a safe level.
The best vines for fences
- Clematis
- Sweat pea
- Jasmine
- Guinea flower
- Honeysuckle
- Moonflower
- Morning glory
The worst vines for fences
- Hydrangea
- English and common ivy
- Trumpet creeper
- Japanese or Chinese wisteria
- Vicious vines
- Pink trumpet vine
Talk to our fencing experts if you plan to grow vines on your fence.