How To Plant A Living Fence - Using A Fast Growing Plant To Cover Fence

Purple Flowered Plants Growing Over Chain Link Fence
wisteria fence
(Image credit: Ulga)

Covering chain link fences is a common problem for many homeowners. While chain link fencing is inexpensive and easy to install, it does lack the beauty of other kinds of fencing. But, if you take a few minutes to learn how to plant a living fence with a fast-growing plant to cover fence sections, you can have a fence that is both lovely and inexpensive.

There are a few things to consider when covering chain link fences with plants. Before deciding which plant you will use, think about what you would like the plants that grow on fences to accomplish:

  • Do you want flowering vines for fences or foliage vines?
  • Do you want an evergreen vine or a deciduous vine?
  • Do you want an annual vine or a perennial vine?

Each choice is important depending on what you want for your fence.

Flowering Vines for Fences

If you would like to look at flowering vines for fences, you have several choices. If you would like a fast-growing plant to cover the fence, you will want an annual. Some annual flowering vines for fences include:

If you were looking for some perennial flowering vines for fences, these would include:

Evergreen and Foliage Plants That Grow on Fences

Evergreen plants that grow on fences can help to keep your fence looking lovely all year round. They can also help add winter interest to your garden or serve as a backdrop to your other plants. Some evergreen vines for covering chain link fences include:

Non-evergreen, but foliage-focused, plants can bring a startling and lovely backdrop to the garden. Many times foliage vines that grow on fences are variegated or have splendid fall color and are exciting to look at. For a foliage vine for your fence, try:

Now that you know how to plant a living fence using vines, you can start to beautify your chain link fence. When it comes to plants that grow on fences, you have many choices on what kinds of vines to grow. Whether you are looking for a fast-growing plant to cover a fence or something that provides year-round interest, you are sure to find a vine that suits your tastes and needs.

Heather Rhoades
Founder of Gardening Know How

Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.