As a classic climbing plant, the Clematis needs a little support to reach its full potential—unless, of course, you’re using it as ground cover. In the wild, these beauties naturally scramble up trees at the edge of forests and clearings. In your own backyard, you’ll need to provide a trellis, mount a support system against a wall, or let them hitch a ride on existing trees or fences.
A Living Privacy Screen
One of the best perks of growing Clematis along a fence is that it doubles as a gorgeous privacy screen. You won’t even need a bulky hedge to keep prying eyes out! When it’s in full bloom, it completely transforms your property’s curb appeal. However, there are a few tricks to planting your Clematis along a fence to make sure it thrives.
Location and Soil Quality
I’ll be honest: Clematis can be a bit picky. They love soil that stays consistently moist but never gets waterlogged (nobody likes soggy feet!). They also crave nutrient-rich soil. If your dirt is looking a little sad, you can beef it up by loosening the soil and mixing in some compost and horn meal. Regular fertilizing will also go a long way. Most importantly, aim for a spot with partial shade. The golden rule for Clematis is “heads in the sun, feet in the shade”—they want those blooms reaching for the light while the roots stay cool and protected.
Planting Along the Fence
Since growing Clematis from seed can take up to three years just to germinate (talk about a test of patience!), I definitely recommend starting with nursery-grown container plants. Depending on the variety you choose, you’ll want to keep a planting distance of about 30 to 60 inches between each plant. You can dig your planting holes right next to the fence. To prevent root rot, toss about 2 to 3 inches of grit or gravel into the bottom of the hole for drainage. Pro tip: soak the root ball thoroughly before planting, and set the plant at a slight angle pointing toward the fence to give it a head start on its climb!
