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choosing an appropriate vine for wood fence in full sun #772539

Asked September 21, 2021, 1:13 PM EDT

I tried planting climbing hydrangea (flowering) on my wood fence with a trellis attached but the heat was just too much and I had to move the plants. Then I tried clematis but don't like how they look, very spindly at the bottom and full on the top. I tried Virginia creeper and found out I was allergic and it also attracts the Japanese beetle so I removed that vine. I suppose the trumpet vine would work but I don't want to attract bees because it is close to the outdoor eating space. Can you suggest what I can put on an ugly wood fence to cover it up. Davey Tree Service has been taking care of my pine trees and suggested English Ivy but my research says the vine needs shade and I have a lot of sun on this fence. Please help. I'm new to Colorado, having located from Michigan and some of the plants I choose just don't do well in my yard.

Boulder County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi, Teri,

Thank you for writing to us with your question about vines that work in Colorado. Welcome! 

I'm sending you a link to a CSU Extension sheet that includes some you've already tried, as well as some you haven't.

The list doesn't say whether they're full sun, shade, etc., so I've looked those up for you. The sheet will give a description of the vine:

Silver lace vine, Polygonum aubertii - full sun or light shade

Scarlet runner bean, Phaseolus cocineus - full sun

Hyacinth bean, Dolichos lablab - full sun

https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1727-vines-colorado/

I recommend looking up each of these for information about soil type, how tall they grow, pruning needs or cutting back, etc. All those will come into play to help you make the right choice.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us again if you have other questions. We're here to help!

Regards,

Patty, CMG Boulder County

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 22, 2021, 11:24 AM EDT

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