Climbing plants to enhance your fence

If you are looking to add beauty to your fence, plants can add colour, softening and a whole new dimension to your garden. Climbing plants are a must-have addition to any outside area. Not only do they look stunning, but they make great utilisation of space too.

When you put your climbing plants into the ground it is important to do so in a way that will allow them to grow up the sides of your fence. Plant your climbers a short distance away from fence posts in order to allow the roots to have the space they need. Early on, be sure to use twine or wire and tie the shoots of the plant to them in order to encourage your plants to grow how you want. Or you can affix a trellis to wooden fencing panels to give them something to cling on to. Once your climbing plants are established, they can usually support themselves.

Here are two climbing plants that we think are particularly suitable for fences.

Parthenocissus Tricuspidata

Boston ivy as it is more commonly known, is one of most popular flowering climbing plants available. This is a vigorous deciduous climber and its beauty is evident throughout all seasons. Throughout spring and summer the plant takes on a fresh and crisp green colouring. However, once autumn arrives you get absolutely stunning orange, rich crimson and purple colours - warm and welcoming.

To really make the most of this colour it is best to plant Boston ivy in partial or full shade. In addition to this, it is important that the soil is well drained if the plant is to flourish. And finally, Boston ivy is generally disease free but with regards to pests it can be susceptible to vine weevil as well as glasshouse red spider mite. Therefore it is suitable for any fence – but beware, it does grow vigorously so be prepared to prune if you have a small garden.

Viburnoides (climbing hydrangea) 

There is something extremely elegant and classic about Pileostegia Viburnoides. It boasts narrow elliptic leaves and stunning small cream flowers. These beautiful flowers come to light in the summer and autumn months. One of the things people love about this plant is the fact that it is easy to plant and maintain. It can grow in full sun, partial shade or full shade. The only thing you need that could hinder the growth is if it is extremely cold. Aside from that you have nothing to worry about; especially considering this is one of several climbing plants that is generally completely pest free and disease free too. 

We’ll be bringing you more climbing plants for your fences in future blog posts so stay tuned .....