The Clematis is a classic climbing vine. If it doesn’t find something to grab onto, it’ll actually act as a groundcover. So, if you’re looking to use Clematis as a hedge, you’ll definitely need an existing fence or some kind of trellis to help it reach for the sky. You can also get creative by pairing it with other plants for a fuller look.
Stick with cold-hardy varieties
The most important step is picking the right variety. Since Clematis grows all over the world, different species have adapted to very different climates—meaning not all of them can handle a chilly winter. To keep your hedge looking great for as long as possible, you might even want to mix a few different types. Here are some reliable, hardy options that won’t let you down:
- Clematis montana (blooms in April or May/June)
- Clematis ‘Fuyu-no-tabi’ (blooms in May/June or August/September)
- Italian Clematis / Clematis viticella (blooms from July to September)
- Clematis orientalis (blooms from July to November)
Mix it up with Ivy
If you want a hedge that’s extra lush and stays green all year round, try pairing your Clematis with English Ivy. This combo gives you a much more interesting mix of textures and foliage. Since both plants are pretty fast growers, they’ll quickly transform a plain wooden privacy fence into a gorgeous, flowering green wall.
Spruce up your evergreens
Maybe you already have a “living fence” made of conifers. Whether it’s Thuja, Cypress, or Juniper, these hedges can sometimes look a little… well, boring. You can easily fix that by letting different types of Clematis climb right through the evergreen branches. The best part? Conifers and Clematis actually have very similar soil preferences. Just make sure to plant your Clematis about 2 to 2.5 feet away from the base of the existing hedge to give it room to breathe.
To sum it up, if you want a stunning Clematis hedge, keep these tips in mind:
- Always provide a trellis or support
- Consider mixing in other climbers like ivy for year-round coverage
- Use them to add a pop of color to evergreen hedges
