Proper spacing & trailing over fence concerns

18 years ago

First Question:

I have four clematis on the way, two waiting to be planted, running low on space. Recommended spacing?

I know that Polish Spirit gets huge (wish I'd realized earlier in the game), but of those on the way are Carmencita, Mary Rose (Flore Pleno), Negritianka, and Avant Garde, (type 3's).

I was considering squeezing these in between those already on my fenceline: Prince Charles, Rouge Cardinal, Venosa Violacea, Huldine, Polish Spirit, Purpurea Plena Elgans, Etoile Violette, Bonanza, Gipsy Queen, Warsaw Nike and Alba Luxurians. I included the names because I'm not sure if some of these get larger than others. How close is too close?

Second Question:

My fenceline stands 4 1/2' tall, and it's set about 3-4 inches in from my property line. How much are my clems going to hang over on my neighbors side, and would it be inconsiderate of me to let them hang over?

Neighbor just cut tomato plants down yesterday and apologized for them hanging over my fenceline (doesn't bother me), but it got me wondering if they expect the same from me when my clems grow in.

Ideally, I want the clems to grow up and over for privacy (added height) - we live on small lots. How much height can I expect?

Also just learned that my neighbor planted two clems on the opposite side of my fence, climbing a trellis, so these clems will be head to head with my own.

Thanks :)

-Kim

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Comments (4)

lalalandwi
18 years ago
I anxiously await this answer as well! If you don't have enough room, I'll buy Mary Rose from you! I'm kicking myself in the butt for not getting her when I could, now I can't find her anywhere!

I think the other posters might need to know how long the fence is too. If they can't grow up, they will grow sideways along the top of the fenceline.

A poster in chicago said he cuts his type 3's in half after they are done blooming to let them regrow to get a 2nd bloom. Maybe this technique keeps them much smaller.
kimcoco
Original Author
18 years ago
Good point - I have clems planted three per panel, four panels seven feet wide. The only exception is the last panel has only two clems because I have a Euonymous? growing there too. Can I squeeze one more in each panel?

I remember reading about cutting down the Viticellas, or is it all type 3's, I don't remember, to half their size after initial bloom. I'm so bummed we have a 4 1/2 foot height fence restriction.

Here's my fence with the clems (I just pruned them back again recently):

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jeanne_texas
18 years ago
You can easily get away with planting them closer..I've planted two feet apart and even 16 inches apart..but I am obsessed and soil tight so take that into account..I think within time Kim will most probably put more clematis inbetween those you see..LOL..Jeanne
lalalandwi
18 years ago
Kimcoco, you could extend the fence up with the addition of those fence trellis panels. I think they come in 2 x 8 foot sections that match your existing fence. Not sure if it would be worth it to you to gain 2' though. I also have seen modern looking fence sections where they have used cable as the cross wires. You could drill holes in the top of your posts, stick steel rods in them & attach wire cables across. I think the later, would be much cheaper.

To my understanding, a clem is going to grow to it's designated height, whether it's going straight up, going sideways, or doubling over itself. If most of your clems are going to get 10' tall, they will grow up the 4' fence & grow 6' in both directions. Maybe not that far if they double over on themselves. It seems a lot of people prefer putting their clems on shorter structures to get the doubled over effect as well as letting them grow together sideways.

Me being so new at this, I share your fear after seeing flowerfans' pics. I would want to up the fence a little too.