1. CROSSVINE
Vines are one of the best plants to cover a fence as they provide plenty of foliage and flowers, grow quickly, and attract birds and butterflies. When planting vines, install a wire, string, or steel cable for them to crawl up. They climb by using tendrils that will latch onto a fence, and give great coverage as they grow so quickly.
2. STAR JASMINE
'One of my favorite plants to completely cover fences is the star jasmine vine shrub,' says Alex Kantor, owner of Perfect Plants Nursery in Monticello, Florida. 'This was a very popular choice when I owned a landscaping business. I recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the charm of their chain link fence or any other type of fence.'
3. CLEMATIS 'JACKMANII'
'Clematis 'Jackmanii' is a stunning vine that adds elegance and color to any fence,' says Andrew Connolly, the New York-based founder of Little Flower Cottage. 'Its abundant purple flowers create a breathtaking display that makes for a striking contrast against the backdrop of a fence.'
4. BUTTERFLY PEA PLANT
'I have tried many climbing plants to cover unsightly fences, and the butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) easily stands out as the top choice,' says Fern Berg, gardening expert and founder of TreeVitalize. 'Its rapid growth helped cover my fence with attractive green foliage in no time.'
5. AMERICAN WISTERIA
Beautiful wisteria is a must-have for dressing up fences. 'For shady spots, I recommend fragrant American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens),' says Heather Evans, master gardener and founder of DearAvantGardener.com. 'This versatile vine loves any light conditions and, like most native plants, tolerates various soil conditions.'
6. CORAL HONEYSUCKLE
'Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a delicate-looking vine that produces vibrant red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds,' says Amy Hovis. 'It’s a stunning plant that is evergreen in warm climates and considered a perennial vine in colder climates as it may die back to the ground but sprouts back up in the spring.'
7. CAROLINA JESSAMINE
'Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a charming evergreen vine that covers fences with an abundance of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers,' says Andrew Connolly. 'Its glossy foliage is attractive throughout the year, adding beauty and privacy to outdoor spaces.'
8. SEYCHELLES POLE BEANS
Edible plants that climb are another great idea as some of the best plants to cover a fence, with added benefits of course. 'There is a chain-link fence between me and my neighbor, and I plant vegetables there to cover the fence plus get fresh veggies too,' says horticulturalists Gail Pabst, who works for the National Garden Bureau.
9. CLIMBING HYDRANGEA
When choosing the best plants to cover a fence, climbing hydrangea is one of the easiest and best-looking options. This vigorous grower is covered in masses of showy, lacy, white flowers in late spring and early summer. It requires no maintenance, is easily trained and looks attractive all year round.
10. CLIMBING ROSE
Roses are one of the best plants to cover a fence, featuring masses of blooms and fragrance too if you choose the right variety. Training climbing roses to ramble over a fence is easy and the result is always a joy. Choose a repeat flowerer so you get two flushes of blooms every year.