Hi, I live in southwestern Indiana. I have a 6' chain link fence and am wanting ti find some kind of climbing plant or vine to turn it into a privacy fence. I have some ivy planted, but it has hardly grown. I would really like something that grows fast, doesnt attract bee's, and is green all year round. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

 

One plant comes to mind. There may be more - check with your local nurseryman. Check out Euonymus fortunei. Formorly known as E. radicans (native to Korea, Japan). Many nurserymen have not made change in names, and still sell many varieties as forms of E. radicans - just translate radicans to fortunei when you encounter it. This is an evergreen vine or shrub. Broadleafed. One of best where temps drop below 0 degrees F. Variety known as "common winter creeper" is a tough, hardy, trailing or vining shrub with dark green, thick textured, 1" long leaves. Given no support, it sprawls; given a masonry wall, it does the job completely. Since I have not grown the plant ask your local nurseryman for his recommendation but this is just a thought. Evergreen vines which will form a privacy covering in your zone are a bit hard to come by. The above may not suit your needs but it is a starting point for you to check out.

 

Honeysuckle.

 

Honeysuckle came to mind but it draws bees. Check this out with your local nurseryman to see if he has a variety that won't. Also, I don't believe it is green year around in this climate.

 

Hello,
Personally i have used english ivy to run along fences. It has a nice look and is hardy, the problem with honeysuckle is that it will die back in the winter. Good luck.

 

Here in Canada we have a Virginia Creeper...strong vine that does not burn on the chain link fence

 

I have the same problem, a 6' chain link fence. I have planted a passion fruit vine and an evergreen clamatis. My vines are growing well and I have just planted then this year. Virginia creeper is lovely but it is not an evergreen..at least not in Canada

 

My experience with ivy is that it sits the first year, moves slowly the second year and then leaps the third year and then grows profusely thereafter.

 

I had a chain link fence with vines grown thickly around it. When I took the electric hedge trimmers to it, I exposed a large active wasps nest. It was a bit scary, and I don't know how I avoided being stun. At any rate, I always remember to keep the vines under control to avoid hidden nusiance like poison ivy and wasp nest. In fact, I removed all the vines from the fence.

Mark

 

Lilly, what is the name of the evergreen clematis? I also have the same problem and live in Canada. All the clematises I know need to be pruned every year.

 

Evergreen clematis is C. armandii. Hardy to 19 degrees to -7 degrees. Fast growing to 20'. Glistening white, 2-1/2" wide, fragrant flowers in large, branched clusters in March-April.

Slow to start, races when established. Needs constant pruning after flowering to prevent tangling and build-up of dead thatch on inner parts of vine. Keep and tie up stems you want, and cut out all others. Frequent pinching will hold foliage to eye level.

Train along fence tops or rails, roof gables. Allow to climb tall trees. Trained on substantial frame, makes privacy screen if not allowed to become bare at base.

There is a light pink flowered form, C.a. 'Hendersoni Rubra'.

Hope this information helps you in making your selection. Best - Ladybug