climbing vines for privacy

(Question)

HI
I want to add fence height by using climbing vines to achieve more privacy. Which one is least problematic but gives the best “topper” height and thickness.

(Answer)

Here is a link to an article from Landscape Ontario with a wide variety of perennial vines to plant along a fence. You likely will want to search up these vines to see what they look like growing on a fence. However, keep in mind that several of these suggested plants are invasive species in Ontario and we do not recommend planting them. The Grow me Instead guide provides native alternatives to the invasive species that we do not recommend, such as English ivy, japanese honeysuckle and Oriental bittersweet. Please see a previous post on our website for a list of  native climbing flowering vines for more suggestions of vines that are native to Ontario. We strongly encourage you plant native vines to our area, as they are beneficial in attracting birds, butterflies and other pollinators and, support the ecosystem without being invasive.

You will want to consider a vine’s sun requirements when making your choice. You may also be interested in this past post with a list of vines that grow well in shade.

You will also want to consider a vine’s method of attachment – vines that twine (e.g., wisteria) physically wrap their stems supports, and may cause damage over time depending on how heavy the plant is or how strong the support is. Vines with aerial roots like climbing hydrangea best attach to rougher surfaces. Vines with hold fasts like Virginia creeper can attach to any smooth surface.

Remember that it can take a few years for vines to get established, and you may not get much height out of a vine beyond the top of the fence with vines that do not have a stem. Climbing vines on a fence certainly have the potential to climb over to your neighbour’s side of the fence, which is another reason not to choose invasive species and to ensure good pruning practices.

June 4, 2022