Fences can be a bit of an eyesore – distracting from your lovingly tended-to raised beds, vegetable patches and bountiful borders. One option is to paint them, another is to turn them into a canvas for climbers.
There are a number of pretty, fragrant, fast-growing options to consider to suit the style and scale of a space.
Before planting, just be sure to add a simple support system, such as horizontal wires, trellis panels or a sturdy obelisk placed in front of the fence, so climbers have something to grip, wind around or be tied to as they grow.
1. Clematis montana
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Some say clematis is the Queen of Climbers due to its prolific and long-lasting blooms
For a fence that needs covering quickly, Clematis montana is one of the most useful climbers to plant. It is vigorous, relatively easy to grow and produces a generous display of flowers in late spring and early summer, making it a good choice for disguising unattractive boundaries without waiting years for impact.
It is best suited to a sturdy fence, trellis or wire support, as it can become large once established. Plant it where the top growth can reach plenty of light, but try to keep the roots cool with mulch or low-growing plants at the base.
Jo McGarry, gardening expert at Caragh Nurseries, says: “Clematis montana is especially useful for covering fences in a short space of time. It produces masses of flowers in late spring and early summer.” Robert Aumann, founding partner of Luxury Socal Realty, adds: “Clematis is a great option due to its dramatic colours according to the seasons and its speed at climbing up the fences under sunny conditions and colder roots.”
2. Honeysuckle
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Honeysuckle is pretty and perfect for pollinators
Honeysuckle is a brilliant option if you want fast coverage with the added benefit of fragrance. It quickly softens hard boundaries and can create a cottage-garden feel, especially when grown over trellis panels or along fence wires.
It is also a good wildlife-friendly choice, as the scented flowers attract pollinators. To keep it from becoming tangled or too heavy, prune it when needed and tie in new growth as it spreads.
Jo says: “For smaller spaces or beginner gardeners, honeysuckle is an excellent low-maintenance climber. It brings fragrance and attracts pollinators.”
While Robert adds: “For those who desire really fast cover, honeysuckle is one of the fastest climbing plants. It gives rather thick coverage and is used as an excellent camouflage for fences as well as other constructions – remember it does require trimming from time to time, though.”
3. Virginia creeper
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Virginia creepers offer dense coverage and autumn-toned foliage
If you have a large, plain fence to cover, Virginia creeper is a strong candidate. It is known for its vigorous growth and is particularly useful when you want dense coverage over a wide area.
Its standout feature is autumn colour, when the foliage turns rich shades of red and orange. Because it can grow strongly, it is best for bigger boundaries where it has room to spread. Keep it pruned so it does not overwhelm nearby plants or structures.
Jo adds that Virginia creeper is reliable choice for large areas, with strong growth and vibrant autumn colour.
4. Passion flower
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Passion flowers bring a touch of exoticism to a garden
Passion flower, especially Passiflora caerulea, is a good choice if you want a fence-covering climber with a more exotic look. It grows best in a sunny, sheltered spot and can quickly bring interest to a bare boundary.
Its intricate flowers make it more decorative than many quick-cover options, so it works well where the fence is visible from a seating area or patio. Give it a framework of wires or trellis to climb, and water it regularly while it settles in.
5. Star jasmine
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Sweet-smelling jasmine flowers from June to September
Star jasmine has glossy leaves which helps disguise a fence year-round, while the white summer blooms bring fragrance and a more polished look to the garden.
It works especially well in sheltered, sunny spots and is a good option for gardens where you want coverage without the plant looking too wild. Tie it onto wires or trellis as it grows to help it form an even screen.
Robert says: “One of the best climbers is star jasmine since it is a vigorous climber and is also low maintenance. The climber grows at a rapid rate, bears glossy evergreen leaves and white scented flowers.”
6. Wisteria
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Wisteria, with its cascading clusters of violet, is perfect for covering up an ugly fence
Wisteria is a beautiful long-term choice for covering a fence with dramatic seasonal colour. Once established, it can create a striking display of trailing flowers and leafy coverage, making an unattractive boundary feel much more intentional.
It needs a strong support system and regular pruning to keep it under control, so it is better suited to gardeners who are happy to maintain it. Avoid flimsy fencing, as mature wisteria can become heavy.
Jo says wisteria is “one of the best options for fast coverage.”
7. Climbing roses
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Climbing roses bring an abundant change of scale
For a more traditional cottage-garden look, climbing roses are a classic way to dress up an unattractive fence. They are not always the fastest climbers compared with honeysuckle or Virginia creeper, but they offer long-lasting beauty, colour and scent.
Choose a repeat-flowering variety – apricot-pink ‘Compassion’, reliable white ‘Climbing Iceberg’, and the soft pink, near-thornless ‘Mortimer Sackler’ – if you want blooms over a longer period, and train the stems horizontally along wires to encourage more flowers. They pair especially well with clematis for a layered effect. Robert says: “In case someone prefers a cottage style, the climbing roses are still highly attractive option.”
8. Sweet peas
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Sweet peas are the best climbers for a veg patch or cutting garden
Sweet peas will not provide permanent screening, but they can cover trellis, obelisks or fence panels through summer while slower-growing climbers establish behind them.
They are best for sunny positions and benefit from regular picking, which encourages more flowers. They are also a good choice if you want fragrance and colour in the same season.
Jo says: “If you need quick seasonal coverage, annual climbers such as sweet peas can be planted now. They grow rapidly through summer and work well on trellises, obelisks, and pergolas.”
9. Nasturtiums
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Nasturtiums can quickly scramble to 2-3 metres high
Nasturtiums are another fast annual climber that can be used to soften a fence quickly. They are easy to grow, colourful and useful for filling gaps while permanent planting matures.
They work particularly well on lightweight supports and are a good option for beginner gardeners. Unlike woody climbers, they are temporary, so they can be removed at the end of the season.
Jo says nasturtiums “grow rapidly through summer” and are well suited to “trellises, obelisks, and pergolas.”
Planting tips for fast fence coverage
The support you provide is just as important as the plant you choose. Climbers will cover a fence more evenly if they have tension wires, trellis panels or another secure structure to attach to.
Watering is especially important during the first growing season, as young plants need consistent moisture to establish strong roots and produce dense growth.
Jo says: “When planting fast-growing climbers, support is key. Most varieties will establish more successfully with wires, trellis panels or sturdy fencing to climb against. Regular watering during the first growing season also helps encourage strong growth and dense coverage.”
Robert adds: “Proper installation of trellising or tension wires may accelerate the growing process and ensure much neater appearance in general. Regular watering in the first season of growth is equally important.”
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