Create a Living Fence with These Gorgeous Climbers

By Harris Cole

May 7, 2025

Transform your garden into a lush paradise with a living fence crafted from stunning climbing plants. These natural barriers not only provide privacy but also bring beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space. Here are seven gorgeous climbers to consider for your living fence.

1. Clematis

Clematis, known for its spectacular blooms, offers a colorful display that can brighten any garden. With varieties ranging from deep purples to vivid reds, there’s a Clematis for every palette.

This vine is easy to cultivate and thrives in well-drained soil. Plant it in a location where its roots are shaded but the vine itself can bask in sunlight.

Clematis is valued not only for its beauty but also its resilience, making it a favorite among gardeners. Did you know? Some Clematis species have been used in traditional medicine!

2. Wisteria

Wisteria’s enchanting, cascading flowers can transform any outdoor space into a fairytale setting. This vigorous grower needs strong support, such as a pergola or arbor, to showcase its hanging blossoms.

Wisteria prefers full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners with a fragrant and mesmerizing display.

Though captivating, Wisteria requires regular pruning to keep it under control. Fun fact: Wisteria vines can live for over 50 years!

3. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle, beloved for its sweet fragrance, is a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. This climber’s vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy to gardens.

Ideal for covering fences or trellises, Honeysuckle thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It’s a hardy choice that provides both beauty and wildlife support.

This vine is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance plant with high rewards. Historically, Honeysuckle has symbolized devoted love, adding a romantic touch to any setting.

4. Ivy

Ivy, with its evergreen foliage, offers year-round greenery to any vertical space. This versatile climber is perfect for walls, fences, and even as ground cover.

Ivy’s ability to thrive in shady areas makes it a go-to for difficult spots in the garden. However, its vigorous growth requires regular maintenance to prevent it from becoming invasive.

For centuries, Ivy has been associated with fidelity and eternal life, often seen in mythological and religious contexts.

5. Passionflower

Passionflower captivates with its exotic and intricate blooms, making it a striking addition to fences and trellises. These unique flowers not only attract admiration but also serve as a habitat for butterflies.

Preferring sunny locations, Passionflower can also adapt to partial shade. It requires ample space to spread its vigorous growth.

This vine’s name stems from its historical association with Christian symbolism, believed to represent the Passion of Christ.

6. Morning Glory

Morning Glory is a cheerful addition to any garden, known for its bright, funnel-shaped flowers that open with the morning sun. This fast-growing annual provides a burst of color throughout the warmer months.

Ideal for trellises and archways, Morning Glory thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a quick-growing, temporary seasonal screen.

Interestingly, Morning Glory seeds were used by ancient civilizations for their psychoactive properties, though today they are loved for their visual appeal.

7. Jasmine

Jasmine enchants with its delicate, star-shaped flowers and intoxicating scent, especially during the evening hours. This climber is ideal for creating a fragrant living fence or covering a trellis.

Thriving in warmer climates, Jasmine requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its charming blooms attract not just humans, but also pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Jasmine has been cherished for centuries in perfumes and teas. It symbolizes love and beauty in many cultures, adding a touch of elegance wherever it’s grown.

8. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea’s vibrant colors can turn any fence into a dazzling spectacle. Known for its vivid bracts rather than flowers, it thrives in warmer climates.

This climber’s resilience makes it perfect for areas with plenty of sunshine. Bougainvillea can grow impressively, providing both beauty and privacy.

A fun fact: its bracts are often mistaken for petals. This plant’s easy-care nature makes it ideal for beginners.

9. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a magnet for hummingbirds with its bright, trumpet-shaped flowers. Known for its rapid growth, it can cover structures beautifully.

This climber is perfect for those wanting to attract wildlife. However, its vigorous nature requires regular pruning to keep it in check.

Originating from North America, it’s a hardy choice for diverse climates. Its striking blooms add a fiery touch to any fence.

10. Black-eyed Susan Vine

The Black-eyed Susan Vine adds a cheerful touch with its golden flowers and contrasting centers. It’s a quick grower, perfect for instant charm.

Despite its delicate appearance, it’s quite hardy. Give it a sturdy support, and it will reward you with a stunning display.

Originating from Africa, this vine is a symbol of justice and balance, adding depth to its beauty.

11. Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea’s fragrant blooms make it a favorite among many gardeners. Its pastel flowers add a soft elegance to any fence.

This annual vine prefers cooler climates and offers a delightful aroma that can fill your garden. Sweet Pea’s history dates back to Italy, where it was first cultivated for its scent.

It’s ideal for creating a romantic, old-world feel in your outdoor space.

12. Crossvine

Crossvine’s tubular blooms offer a splash of red and yellow each spring. It’s known for its extended blooming period, brightening fences for months.

This climber thrives in both sun and partial shade, offering flexibility in placement. Its vigorous growth makes it excellent for large areas.

Native to the southeastern United States, Crossvine is often associated with resilience and beauty.

13. Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine enchants with its cascading white flowers and intoxicating scent. It’s a versatile climber suitable for fences or trellises.

This evergreen vine prefers sunny spots and is known for its glossy leaves. It’s an excellent choice for adding year-round interest to gardens.

Despite its name, Star Jasmine is not a true jasmine. Its sweet fragrance is unmatched, making it a garden favorite.

14. Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing Hydrangea offers a spectacular display with its lacecap flowers. Its ability to grow in shade makes it unique among climbers.

This vine’s slow growth is compensated by its eventual lush coverage, making it worth the wait. It clings naturally to surfaces, requiring minimal support.

Originating from Asia, it brings a touch of elegance to any setting, with its flowers appearing like delicate doilies.