The right plants can transform a boring fence line into a garden showcase.
Some plants are meant to grow scrambling along afenceline, poking their heads through the wooden slats.
Likewise, certain fence styles are made to be draped in flowers.
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It is hard to picture awhite picket fence, for example, that is not swimming in blooms.
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The style and height of a fence will dictate plant selection to some extent.
These fence styles tend to function as an integral part of the planting.
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Our goals differ significantly when planting along a solid fence, which can be visually dominant.
The following list includes plants for a range of fence styles and design goals.
Climbing Rose
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Climbing roses add romance and fragrance to any garden.
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Roses dont really climb in the way that morning glory or peas climb.
As such, climbing roses will need to be secured to the fence with ties.
Flower color varies according to variety and soil pH.
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For blue blooms, maintain a soil pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
Above that level, blooms will take on purple or pink hues.
Red berries provide added beauty in winter and attract songbirds.
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Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are a quintessential cottage garden plant.
Hollyhocks typically grow as biennials, producing foliage in their first season and flowering in their second year.
However, they reseed readily in the garden.
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By sowing seeds in two consecutive years, you might have a stand that blooms every year.
Fountain Grass
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Nothing adds texture to a garden like ornamental grasses.
Solid fences provide a backdrop to the fine, arching foliage and soft feathery blooms of fountain grass.
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Grasses also look lovely swaying along picket fences.
Clematis
Clematis climbs by wrapping its leaf stems around support structures.
Because these stems are relatively short, clematis may need to be tied or secured to fences.
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you’re able to also add a fishing line or wire for plants to climb.
Foxglove
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Foxgloves add vertical dimension to the garden with stunning floral spikes.
Though plants tolerate full sun, they perform best with afternoon shade.
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Foxglove will readily reseed for long-lasting stands in the garden.
Abelia
Solid fences call for a different planting strategy.
Many varieties of abelia are available, providing stunning combinations for any style of fence.
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Fragrant blooms throughout the growing season attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Plants are easy to grow and widely adaptable to a variety of growing conditions.
Sterile cultivars are available for gardeners worried about self-sowing, including some gorgeous double-bloom varieties.
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Plants can reach 4 to 6 feet tall, working well against the fence.
If desired, you could pinch plants back in early summer to encourage a bushier habit.
Plants readily self-seed, returning year after year.
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The vibrant blooms of these beauties accentuate any garden, from rustic woodland gardens to formal entryways.
They bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, and red as the spring garden awakens.
Azaleas are available in a variety of sizes, and some are reblooming.
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Coral Honeysuckle
This native twining vine is a great scrambler for fence rows.
Unlike exotic honeysuckles, this lovable vine is not invasive.
Watch for hummingbirds sipping from the flowers and songbirds nibbling on the small berries.
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A cottage garden staple, they look stunning planteden masseor used as tucks between other flowers.
A true annual, cosmos commonly self-sow in the garden.
Let seed heads fall to the soil if you wish to promote a self-sustaining stand.
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Finches and other seed-feeding songbirds are drawn to the late-season seed heads.
It also self-seeds in the garden to keep your fence line looking fabulous.
Asparagus
Why not grow something edible along your fence row?
Asparagus is a perennial crop, making it an ideal plant for mixed garden beds.
