What climbing plants to cover fence?

Will01

Hi,

I’m looking to cover up my side of a railed fencing as it’s looking a bit battered. I

was thinking of using climbing plants to complete cover the area but my plant knowledge is limited. I initially read star jasmine may work but all ears to any other/better recommendations. I also need to know how to actually plant them ie. how many do I need and how far do I space them apart? And is it ok to plant them directly into the soil along the bottom of the fencing? Many thanks in advance!

MitchellMc

Hi @Will01,

It looks like that section of fence is in a fairly exposed location, and the soil along the base of the fence possibly isn’t in great condition. I’d highly recommend improving it before planting by digging out some of the existing soil and replacing it with a good-quality potting mix or garden soil enriched with compost. That’ll give your plants a much better start and help them establish strong, healthy growth.

Star jasmine is an excellent choice for covering a fence. It’s hardy, evergreen, and produces beautifully scented white flowers through the warmer months. For full coverage, you can plant them directly into the soil along the bottom of the fence, spacing them roughly one metre apart. They’ll climb naturally once they get established, but will benefit from some light training or tying to the fence early on.

If the area gets full sun and can be quite exposed to wind, you could also consider alternatives like Hardenbergia (Happy Wanderer), which produces masses of purple flowers and handles harsh conditions well, or Pandorea jasminoides (Bower Vine), which has lovely pink or white trumpet-shaped flowers. Both are vigorous growers and will quickly soften and cover your fence once established. 

Here are some Gardening tips for planting & growing plants.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell