Covering a 4' high fence with a clematis really won't give you any privacy. If you don't want to be able to see your neighbors you should plant evergreen shrubs or trees in front of the fence to block your vision. Clematis will look pretty on the fence all summer long but isn't going to block the view.

If you just want some fast growing clematis, Polish spirit and xtriternata rubra marginata get very large fairly quickly. They grow about 20'. You will have to guide the vines out horizontally though instead of vertically. XRM is fragrant. These plants are deciduous also. Your fence will be bare 6 months of the year, so again, not a good plant for a privacy screen.

I agree with Flowerfan. It sounds as if you want something evergreen if you want year round privacy. A hedge of evergreens of some type with lower shrubbery in front of that would do the trick. Of course you could always work plenty of clematis among the shrubbery for added color, both vining and nonvining varieties.

First of all if the fence was put up by your neighbor, it's probably on his/her property, and if you haven't gotten their permission to grow something on THEIR property, then you would need to ask first. If you decide to put in evergreens or shrubs instead of vines, then you need to make sure you don't plant them too close to the fence so that they are actually on your property. People sell houses, and the next owners may not want the fence there and rip it all down as well as your plants.

Just a precaution to think about before you go to a lot of expense.

Great points there Joan!

Thanks for the responses...

I think I probably wasnt clear on the privacy issue... I LOVE my neighbors!! haha..Don't really want to block them out, just cover that fence so it's prettier...The honeysuckle between us was nice and now it's just blah with that silver fence...

And, yes, my neighbors and I discussed it before the fence was even put up..they know all about my "flower issues" lol .. and they don't mind one single bit .. but, I appreciate you taking the time to point that out, just in case I hadn't thought of it...

Glad you didn't take offense to my remarks...just wanted you to have that end covered in case you hadn't thought of it. My kids always say I'm negative, but I would rather think of it as analitical. Look at the issue from all angles... good and bad. LOL Be sure to show us pics once it's planted.

Ohh..I learned the hard way that it was MUCH easier to take someone's advice that is in written form the wrong way ..too easy to put your own spin on the "tone" of what they are saying...sooooo, I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and be grateful for any advice I get...it was a good point to make though and I thank you for it..

Now I still have to figure out what's best to plant ...

So, for example, if I were to go with either Polish spirit or xtriternata rubra marginata, which grow to about 20' and my fence is close to 100 ft I would need 5 plants, planted every 20 feet, I suppose..correct?

And, since they are deciduous, I'm wondering if there is something I plant in between them, or instead of a couple of them, that would give a different look when the clematis are losing their leaves...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh so much to think about

Although Polish Spirit is one vigorous plant, I doubt that one plant will cover 20 feet of fencing. Now TTR that is an entirely different story.

Could I ask what TTR is?

I'll go look around and see if I can find it

TTR=Triternata Rubromarginata! :0)

Thanks!

Sweet Autumn clematis also grows very quickly and will cover a large area. Since it blooms in the Fall that will be a nice change from the summer blooming ones.

Why not plant a variety of vines, along with the clems, and some narrow growing trees and shrubs, which bloom or berry at different times of the year. That should prove to supply much better year round interest along the chain length fence. It could even be nice to plant and train a climbing rose like the 'Awakening' cultivar, which is a shorter growing, pink blooming sport of the 'White New Dawn' climber.

Hi Raven! I have several different clems planted in a span of about 30 feet of chain link. I have very nice neighbors like you and they were all for it. They have a pond and hydrangeas planted on the other side of the fence and are happy for a pretty backdrop for it.

I decided to mix different types together to have contrasting blooms and colors. Some will bloom earlier for me and others will be a bit later in the season. I planted Arctic Queen, Multi Blue, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Josephine, Alpina, and one more that the name is escaping me. I plan on adding trellises to place behind each at some point this summer to allow for some privacy screening.

katrina1 - after reading a lot about roses and clematis being put together I think that is something I am going to do ..thanks!

tracyvine - I'm gonna take a look at the ones you have mentioned..I think a bunch that bloom at different times is a great idea .. thanks!