Vines for Fences

Annual Flowering Vines

• Annuals sometimes re-seed themselves, but often need to be replanted every year. Annuals are fast-growing and can add a wide range of colors and textures to an ordinary fence. Annual flowering vines to consider include black-eyed Susan, which produces small, bright orange blooms that have jet-black centers, and morning glories, which are available in single- or double-flowered varieties. Morning Glory flowers are most often purple-blue, but red, white, rose and two-toned types are available. Hyacinth bean and passion flower are other annuals that grow nicely on fences.

Perennial Flowering Vines

• Perennial vines survive through the winter and can potentially contribute to the appearance of your lawn and garden for years. Wisteria is a strong perennial that blooms with grape-like clusters of fragrant, pale-purple flowers in May. Chinese wisteria grows in 7- to 12-inch long clusters, while Japanese wisteria's clusters can grow up to 36 inches long. Clematis vines, of which there are countless varieties with different flower colors and sizes, are also popular perennials. Consider also climbing hydrangea, honeysuckle and Dutchman's pipe.

Evergreen Vines

• Evergreen vines keep fences covered with attractive growth year-round, providing winter interest and a backdrop for summer plants. Several evergreen ivies grow on fences, including English ivy, Boston ivy and Persian ivy. Creeping fig and Carolina jasmine also are possible options. Carolina jasmine sprouts small clusters of fragrant yellow tubular flowers in late winter or early spring, depending on where you live.