Assuming that the fence you're speaking of is chain-link or metal of some sort, it might just simply be easier for the vine to climb on the fence than the vinyl lattice. In my experience, some climbers don't like the vinyl lattice, and the only reason I can think of is that it is slicker than regular lattice, so for some vines, it might make it more difficult to cling to it. I don't grow this particular vine, however, so I could be way off-base.

--Joe

The fence is wood. It does grow on the lattice in some places. Considering it would get the most direct sun by staying on the lattice, I would think it would be all over the outside.

The vinyl looks nice and won't rot and break like wood lattice, but if the vines don't like it its kinda pointless.

Vines that climb by tendrils, like the Crossvine, really like wire. 2" chicken wire, cattle panels, hog wire, welded wire all work great. Vines that twine, do good on trellis or lattice or wire with large openings, like cattle panels or hog wire. That's been my experience anyway.
Jim

I went ahead and removed the vinyl lattice, I had to cut through it in a couple places so I didn't pull the vine down with it, but for the most part the crossvine was only attached to the fence.

I installed vinyl coated welded wire in place of the lattice. Its green with the 2"x3" mesh pattern. At Lowes/Hope Depot its ~$40 for a 50' roll.

Not only do I think the crossvine will attach better to it, I can SEE the vines better now. The wire does not block the fence (or the vines) and creates very little contrast.

I'm going to use the vinyl lattice for another type of vine that won't have issues growing on it. Any suggestions?

Thanks...

You didn't say where you are located, or what zone you are in, but some twining vines that have done good for me here in zone 9 are; Carolina jasmine, Confederate jasmine, Yellow butterfly vine, Blue Sky vine, Bower vine, Bleeding Heart vine, Mexican Flame vine, and Coral Honeysuckle. There are also several annual vines that will climb on trellis, like Black eyed Susan vine, Purple Hyacinth Bean vine, and Morning Glories. Hope this helps.
Jim

This is a really old post but its my exact same issue.. I made a trellis fence with White viynal lattis and I can change it out.. They do not stick to the lattis they like to crawl up the building next to my house.. I want to train it to grow along my fence to make the side yard have a more nature feel. I dont want to use wood. There is a dog ear fence and I want it to go above the fence so that if the fence is removed the plant will live on.. I was looking at welded wire mesh because its strong.. What did you end up doing?

My crossvine is climbing a brick wall with abandon. Got to trim it every week or two or else it will be all over the roof. Crossvine, like ivy, has tiny holdfast adhesive pads at the end of tiny tendrils. They may need a porous surface to grab successfully. Smooth plastic might not work.