[Hagar]

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

[LandArts]

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.

[trees]

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:

- Kadsura Vine (Kadsura japonica 'Fukurin')
- Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
- Silvervein Creeper (Parthenocissus henryii)
- Moonlight Hydrangea Vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Moonlight')
- Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
- Evergreen Clematis (Clematis armandii)
- Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis paniculata)
- Red hybrid honeysuckle (Lonicera x) -- the hybrids don't get invasive
- Cardinal Climber (aka Cypress vine) is an annual but readily re-seeds

Vines to stay away from: Wisteria, trumpet vine & akebia (Wisteria will crush your fence & the latter two can make pests of themselves)

Check those out & good luck to you!

[trees]

Oh, one more out of the box idea:

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!

[agla]

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.

Be careful what you wish for.

[HardDaysKnight]

Honeysuckle would be ideal for attracting hummingbirds
but, keep in mind it's invasive quality.
http://www.freefoto.com/preview.jsp?...&k=Honeysuckle

[GLAN]

LOL

I've spent my entire career getting rid of vines of all sorts.....Not about to suggest a vine to plant........LOL

[Bill Schwab]

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.

[Hagar]

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!

[VoodooChile]

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...

[Bill Schwab]

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.