Ideas for plants to grow up a fence.

[Lagoonablue]

My NND has some lovely shrubs and they were overhanging my fence which looked great and gave us greenery and privacy. He has now cut them right back unfortunately.

I want to grow something up on our side. The soil isn't great and the garden is in part shade so lots of plant grow away from the fence if you see what I mean.

I will need to wire them to the fence I guess. Was thinking I would like something fast growing ( not Russian vine though!) but not too invasive. Ivy?

Any ideas welcome. Am a gardening novice.

Hydrangea petiolaris is what you want. Once it's tied in it will stick to the fence. It grows moderately so will not go bonkers. Has very nice flowers, but is deciduous.

Hydrangea petiolaris will grow moderately for the first few years, then when it gets going it will cover the side of a house.

Fast growing plants usually spell trouble as they need a lot of maintenance to keep them in check once they have reached the size you hoped for.

It's best to think first and plant wisely.
Could you put a trellis up on your side which would give height above the new hedge line? Then you could grow plants which would grow up into the light through the trellis.

Clematis armandii is a lovely evergreen climber with white flowers in early spring. You could grow other clematis through that - early and late flowering varieties. Or try honeysuckle. I have a hedge of two varieties which flower spring and summer, Lonicera japonica 'Halliana' and Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica'.

Thanks. I have honeysuckle but it is growing very slowly.....may try ivy and will investigate your suggestions.

Have you asked your neighbour what his plans are for the gap he has created? Would his plans be relevant, e.g. if his side of the fence gets more sunlight and could cause your new plants to be in shadow? I've found the RHS website to be useful for suggestions on what to plant where. Unfortunately I have clay soil. I like clematis (montana can be a bit of a thug if left to it's own devices, but gives great cover and lovely white flowers). Some sweet peas , sunflowers, gladioli etc could be nice and colourful alongside your privacy cover for the summer months.

Thanks mipmop but can't ask my neighbour. He's an idiot. I know that sounds harsh but he is. Plus he has hacked his plants down, shredded his lawn and basically made a mess. He has no idea!

Will loom on RHS site though,thanks.

Sweetpeas, sunflowers and gladioli will all fail in a shady border.

Sorry to criticise the advice you are receiving but as I understand it, the part of the garden you are talking about is in shade.

A clay soil won't be a problem if you dig in soil improver or compost, especially when you put new plants in.

Look up the brilliant website Plants For Shade, they have loads of great ideas.

I'm with cutteduppear I think it is nice to have flowering and fragrant climbers suitable for shade rather than ivy. The idea of having an early and late honeysuckle is a lovely one.

If you do plant clematis, they need something near the roots as their roots le shelter: hellebores are nice for early spring, phlox or perhaps japanese anemones for late summer.

sorry: roots needs shelter

Here you go

www.plantsforshade.co.uk/

The best supplier that I have ever found (I'm a garden designer) and full of good advice and info.

Thankyou! Will checkout link.