The Best Climbing Plants for Fences, Arbors or Other Boundary Systems

A gardening expert shares his picks for the best climbing plants for Southern climates to decorate fences, arbors and landscapes.

Climbing plants and vines are a perfect way to add beauty and dimension to landscape boundary structures, like fences, arbors and pergolas.

Here, we share some of the best climbing plants for Southern properties, plus tips on how to care for them.

The Best Climbing Plant Options: Annuals and Perennials

Vines grow like weeds in the Southern heat, creating a dramatic, low-maintenance natural outdoor feature.

Here are a few of the best to choose from for your rural land or backyard.

Perennial vines

Perennial vines are a natural choice for many homeowners and landscapers because they're low-maintenance, economical and come back every year.

Here are a few favorites.

Non-blooming Perennial Vines

If you're looking for a basic non-blooming vine, ivy is ornamental, classic and provides good coverage for a fence or arbor. It is non-blooming, but has a shiny, green leaf that is attractive and provides good coverage.

It may require some attention to train and prune it to maintain the desired conformation and avoid takeover.

Blooming Perennial Vines

Blooming perennial vines are an excellent choice for adding beauty and drama to a variety of landscapes and structures.

Here you have many choices, including: 

Wisteria: This fast-growing plant lives a long time and has luxurious, fragrant purple blooms. It requires attention to keep it within bounds and is suitable for large areas.

I had this species on a boundary fence at a previous home and had to keep it pruned to maintain the appearance. 

Clematis: Large, colorful blooms are a feature of this fast-growing vine that is ideal for fences. Keep in mind, clematis can run up into trees and should be contained to keep it in bounds. 

Honeysuckle: This is another beautifully fragrant choice that attracts a wide range of pollinators. It is a favorite of the South and grows wild in many areas.

It can be invasive and requires attention to keep it under control.

Confederate Jasmine: This vine has beautiful, intoxicating white flowers.

I have personal experience with this, using it on a lattice structure at the end of a screen porch. 

Annual Vines

If you'd rather start with a seasonal choice, several annual vine varieties offer beauty with abundant blooms.

This will give you more time to consider more permanent choices (perennials) while still enjoying temporary beauty in the interim.

Bougainvillea:  Fancy blooms are available in several colors. This plant needs support, and some have thorns.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine: Available in various colors of blooms (yellow, orange, white, or apricot). Flowers have a dark center, are very heat tolerant and bloom from Spring until frost.

Mandevilla:  This species offers a wide array of colors and trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a large plant, and prefers partial shade. 

Edible Climbing Plant Options

The suggestions above represent a few of the wide range of ornamental vine varieties.  

However, if you're looking for something more functional (and tasty!), edible climbing plants that bear fruit are the way to go.

Grapes

These vines come in various types that produce delicious purple, red or white fruit. They may provide fresh table fare or be made into some delicious jellies.

These will require annual pruning, but the huge leaves provide good coverage and are excellent choices for fences. They are attractive and provide enjoyable fruit for years.

Blueberries

While these are not vines, they make excellent boundary plants. I have about eight of these (various varieties) along a fence line.

They are easy to care for with minimal pruning and fertilization. The only problem I have with them is competing with the bird population for the fruit. We have multiple bird feeders, and they love the addition to their diet as much as we do.

Final Thoughts On Climbing Vines For Your Property

There are no right or wrong choices when it comes to climbing vines. It is entirely personal and depends on what you desire.

If you have a boundary fence, arbor, pergola, barn or any area that is not being utilized and wish to add color, grow fruit or make the area more attractive, try out some of the suggestions above and reap the rewards.

Looking For More Ways To Beautify Your Rural Land & Garden?

Check out the following articles:

• How to Beautify Your Property with Ornamentals

• How to Plant a Pollinator Garden in the South

• 10 Heirloom Annual Flowers & Where to Buy Them