skip to main content

Virginia Creeper- good cover for chainlink fence?

18 years ago

Is virginia creeper a good cover for chainlink fences? it seems there are some escapees growing around town so im gonna start them form seed. Will they cover a chainlink fence?

Featured Answer

ARUM

18 years ago

Well, I would never plant VC unless you weren't concerned about it being invasive. I'ts not like you can say later, "Oh, I changed my mind". It is very invasive, but I'm sure it would cover a chain link fence, and escape and cover everything else also. :) Arum

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

pennsylvania_pete
18 years ago
Actually in zone 4 it is hardly invasive like it is here in z-6. However, it is neither a twiner nor a plant that uses tendrils to climb, instead making small root-like things which cling to wood best. It would need to be constantly threaded through the fence for one to get any coverage. Consider another native, the Pipevine. It twines, is hardy, and is definitely not invasive in any climate. It also grows much faster than Q. virginiana and much thicker coverage too.
Related Discussions
best plant or creeper to cover chain link fence?
Q
Comments (9)
Not all perennial vines form thickets of dead branches, although any of the Jasmines such as J. polyanthum are notorious for this. Morning Glory tends to be perennial along the coast, and this is also a rampant grower that does build up dead branches. Easier to control vines such as slower growing Trachelospermum jasminoides or Gelsemium sempervirens are less prone to need heavy pruning, and another very colorful and easy vine is Bignonia capreolata 'Tangerine Dream'. Clytostoma callistegioides is also manageable and blooms in late spring. If you wanted something less woody, there are lots of shorter lived herbaceous vines such as Mina lobata, Rhodochiton astrosanguineum, Senecio confusus, that would thrive on the coast with drip irrigation. Planting annual vines in a perfect climate such as Santa Monica seems like more work to me that planting a more restrained evergreen vine, and shearing it once or twice a year to control. Besides, with a zone 10 climate, there is no need to look at a bare fence in any season.
...See More
Propagating Virginia Creeper?
Q
Comments (3)
Yes, it grows from cuttings. It should easily root for you whereever you place it in soil along its vines. I usually have some Virginia Creeper at my perennial sale each year here in Brandon. In the spring, I just dig out a few of the rooted runners that are along the ground at the base of the plant. I have never tried its seeds but if you have seedlings, sure, transplant them.
...See More
Virginia Creeper for Shade?
Q
Comments (3)
I have quite a lot of VC in my woods, but not to the point of strangling anything or being invasive. The wild grape is much more agressive and harder to control IMHO. If you want more, I'd suggest you air layer the plant you have as it will root at nodes if they come into contact with the ground. It will not be as agressive in the shade, but you should keep an eye on it so as not to injure your smaller tree. I've never seen it do much to a large tree except grow up the trunk. In full shade the fall color is not as vivid, but I still like it. First year you'll have to water as other new plants to get established, then it will pretty much fend for itself.
...See More
Who's afraid of Virginia Creeper?
Q
Comments (32)
we are not afraid, lol. it started in the neighbors yrd and does spread into our blue spruce and around on the ground. we started trimming the spruce a couple of yrs ago then the creeper started climbing up it. easy fix really, the last 2 yrs i have just used a garden rake to pull it down. since it comes out all attached to each other it is only a 5 minute job but needs to be done yearly. we love it, it creates a great privacy fence. i read a tip somewhere about creeper and ivy too if you are worried about it on your house. if you girdle or sever the stems at the base and let it die off, it shouldnt do damage to your shingles or siding when you finally pull it off.
...See More
lkz5ia
18 years ago
Virginia creeper may grow all over the fence, but its leaves don't screen things out like its relative the 'boston ivy'. Maybe try a native wild grape. They have huge leaves that can create a visual barrier if that's what your looking for.
Fledgeling_
Original Author
18 years ago
well this was the only native one i could find growing in the midwest in my area with anything that could be considerd vigor.
Tomato_Worm59
18 years ago
My neighbor across the alley from me has creeper all over his chain-link fence. It is simply beautiful! It gives him privacy, while still greening up the area. Now, if I can just find some of those creeper or grape-eating sphinx caterpillars!
billykunz
18 years ago
When is a good time to plant pipevine. And can anyone give me tips on planting it Please
steve_nj
18 years ago
Virginia creeper will cover a chainlink fence. I'm guessing it won't have as much vigor in South dakota. I'll have pipevine and variegated virginia creeper at the swap October 1st. I've planted leafless Aristolochia root suckers in spring and summer and they leaf out and grow.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/njgard/exch0615195727700.html?4

Here is a link that might be useful: N.J. Swap

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Weepers and the Creepers: 10 Intriguing Trees for Your Garden

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Bring something a little different to your landscape with a tree that dives, twists or crawls

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Why the Art of Restraint Is So Good for Your Garden

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Drifts of naturalized plantings offer the perfect inspiration for your home landscape

GROUND COVERS Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle

By Curtis Adams

These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Gardening for the Bees, and Why It’s a Good Thing

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you discover how hard bees work for our food supply, you may never garden without them in mind again

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Lonicera Sempervirens

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Grow this long-blooming, flashy flowering vine to cover a fence or arbor and attract hordes of hummingbirds all season long

PETS Good Dog! Cute Pooches at Home

The dogs of Houzz take you on a tour of their homes and show you where they lounge, eat, play, bathe and nap

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD My Houzz: A Musician and a Maker Create a Home With Good Vibes

By Michelle Jarni

A young creative couple use the bare necessities and some maker magic to turn their home into something truly special

EXTERIORS Care and Training for a Vine-Covered Home

By Laura Gaskill

Love the look but don’t want the ruin? Learn how to have vine-draped walls without all the cracks and crumbling

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Lilac Vine for a Purple Profusion in Winter

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow this pretty, hardy vine on a fence or as a ground cover for blooms throughout the colder months

MOST POPULAR Meet a Lawn Alternative That Works Wonders

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Carex can replace turfgrass in any spot, is low maintenance and adjusts easily. Add its good looks and you’ve got a ground cover winner

Sponsored

RTS Home Solutions

3 Reviews

BIA of Central Ohio Award Winning Contractor

More Discussions

Help identifying vine?

5

I will be growing more Ipomoea purpurea this summer

5

Ipomoea nil recently grown

0