There’s nothing quite like the peace and quiet of your own backyard, but that relaxation goes up a notch when you aren’t worrying about the neighbors peeking in. Whether you want to wall off your entire yard or just create a cozy little nook, the Clematis is your best friend. This flexible climber is a total game-changer for natural privacy.
Creating a Living Fence
Unless you’re using it as a groundcover, your Clematis is going to need a trellis or support system to do its thing. If you’re dreaming of a lush Clematis hedge, your best bet is to plant it along an existing fence. If you don’t have a fence, you can line up individual trellises close together to create that “green wall” effect.
Screening Your Patio
Maybe you don’t need to fence in the whole yard, but you’d love some privacy while you’re sipping coffee on the patio. In that case, Clematis works beautifully in large pots or planter boxes equipped with a trellis. Quick tip: try to go with a wooden trellis if you can. Metal supports can get icy cold in the winter, which can sometimes lead to frost damage on the delicate vines.
Not all 300 varieties are happy living in a pot forever, so you’ll want to pick one that stays a bit more compact. Look for types that top out between 4 and 8 feet. Some of my favorites for containers are the Clematis alpina (like ‘Ruby’), the ‘Little Butterfly’ (a Viticella variety), or the stunning ‘Ashva’ (a Rose-Clematis).
Don’t Be Afraid to Prune
The best part about using Clematis for privacy is how dense it gets. It produces a thick web of branches, leaves, and gorgeous blooms. To keep it looking full, you’ll want to stay on top of fertilizing and—more importantly—regular pruning. Cutting it back actually encourages the plant to push out new growth, especially when it’s young. Depending on the variety, you might cut back anywhere from a third to half of the plant. Just make sure you check which pruning group your specific variety falls into so you know exactly when to snip.
If you’re ready to turn your Clematis into a privacy screen, keep these three things in mind:
- Make sure your trellis is tall enough for the variety you chose.
- If you’re planting in containers, pick a variety that thrives in pots.
- Don’t skip the pruning! It’s the secret to a thick, lush screen.
