Hello. I just discovered this site, wow! I did a search to try to find some suggestions without luck so I thought I would ask here.
I will have about 200 feet of 3 foot high green coated chain link fence with green powder coated posts and hardware. I would like to plant something that would be a perennial and climb the fence and hide it. Ideally the fence would disappear over time and the vines would produce red flowers that would attract hummingbirds. How far apart should I plant these vines?
I know I am asking a lot, thanks for your help! BTW I am in zone 8.
Hagar
One I've been really pleased with is Millettia taiwanensis. Mine went to the ground last winter here in NC but has put out strong growth this spring and summer.
For situations like this, I like to plant what's referred to as a "vine mosaic". Basically, you plant several different kinds of vines, some deciduous, some evergreen, and bloom at different times of year. You can plant them 20' apart or 2' apart, depending on how long you want to wait to get coverage. I'd recommend planting on, oh say 6' centers. Here are a few of my favorite vines that should do well in your area:
Plant a weeping blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula') up against the fence & train it along. I've done this a few times... talk about cool!
Campsis radicans is Creeping Trumpet Vine. Keep in mind that most things that will cover your fence quickly are likely to want to take over the entire neighborhood as well. One of these per post will have that covered in just a few years.
Jasmine would be my first choice, after that Trumpet Vine, or Joseph's Coat of Many color climbing roses are awesome along our fence. We are zone 9, so in 8, any of the above will werk.
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Bill Schwab
In the year 1491, if the Naturescape Landscape Company did the site work in Pisa, Italy, they would not be calling it the "leaning" tower.
Wow! Thanks for all the replies! Glan, you really made me chuckle. The covenents in the development strongly discourage fences but do not outlaw them and we rescue Bichon Frise dogs. Since they are only about 12 to 15 pounds (we now have 3) a 3 foot fence would be enough. If I hide it the "architectural committee" is more likely to approve the plans. Sounds like I will have to keep the suckers pruned back though. Thanks again everybody. I will probably have a couple more questions before this is over!
There are a million Clematis with red flowers. 'Niobe' is stunning, super vigorous, and hardy in your zone. Clematis Texensis Group 'Sir Trevor Lawrence' is super cool too.
trees' idea of combining vines will give you the most bang for your buck.
Trumpet vine meets your criteria but should be quarantined with asphalt and concrete as it is a menace to all civilized plants.
Wish I could grow Jasmine on a fence Bill. Love that scent...
The cool thing about Jasmine is they will make a live privacy fence/wall in glossy green. It will take a few years but basically stunning choice.
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Bill Schwab
In the year 1491, if the Naturescape Landscape Company did the site work in Pisa, Italy, they would not be calling it the "leaning" tower.
I just purchased Millettia Taiwanensis (Chinese Evergreen Wisteria) at my local Lowes and was hoping it would work for a small arbor, like regular wisteria would. I don't want something that is invasive though, and would prefer something evergreen?. Any thoughts on this? I haven't planted it yet so I would love to have some feedback. Kat
Last edited by neilschattkat : 09-24-2009 at 05:44 PM.
Reason: mistake
You might try sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) It has been blooming here in zone 5 for a month, and going strong.
Another plant I have been using to cover things fast, is hops.
(Humulus lupulus) It is very fast growing, and you might be able to make your own beer from the crop...
Chinese Evergreen
