Hi Sharalyn, no climber will self-cling to a metal tank like that, unfortunately, so you have no option but to build a frame in front of it in order for the climber to grow up. But that then raises the question about whether a climber is the best thing at all, or whether you should just plant a shrub in front of it? If a climber, and you could provide a little water, I’d use Chinese Star Jasmine, as it stays clothed with foliage down to ground level (rather than losing its lower leaves, so that you end up seeing the tank anyway). If you don’t have water to give it, I’d try Hardenbergia violacea (the old ‘Happy Wanderer). Alternatively, hedge it out with the super-tough Viburnum tinus.
Hi Michael, I have a similar but different problem. We have a metal wire fence dividing us and the neighbour and need to grow an evergreen vine that will cover the wire fence and give us privacy from top to bottom and across the full length. We also have Snow Pears which we have pleached so the canopy sits just above the top of the fence, would you still recommend the same vines? (Slightly worried the Hardenbergia might be leggy and the Star Jasmine tendrils might attach itself to the Snow Pears.) Would love to hear if you have any other recommendations to cover a metal chain wire fence. Thanks in advance!!
Hey Kit,
The Hardenbergia would certainly be too leggy. The Star Jasmine is one of the few things that would stay dense to ground level. I would not be worried about the ‘tendrils’ as such. It’s not so vigorous – a once-a-year trim (in the event of that happening) would be sufficient. The alternative would be English ivy. Under trees, and up a wire fence, this can be very effective. It would also stay dense to ground level. There are really no other options suitable for the task (though I’m not sure where you are, and that makes a difference). The only other thing to consider would be a narrow hedge, such as of Viburnum tinus.
Hi Sharalyn, no climber will self-cling to a metal tank like that, unfortunately, so you have no option but to build a frame in front of it in order for the climber to grow up. But that then raises the question about whether a climber is the best thing at all, or whether you should just plant a shrub in front of it? If a climber, and you could provide a little water, I’d use Chinese Star Jasmine, as it stays clothed with foliage down to ground level (rather than losing its lower leaves, so that you end up seeing the tank anyway). If you don’t have water to give it, I’d try Hardenbergia violacea (the old ‘Happy Wanderer). Alternatively, hedge it out with the super-tough Viburnum tinus.
Hi Michael, I have a similar but different problem. We have a metal wire fence dividing us and the neighbour and need to grow an evergreen vine that will cover the wire fence and give us privacy from top to bottom and across the full length. We also have Snow Pears which we have pleached so the canopy sits just above the top of the fence, would you still recommend the same vines? (Slightly worried the Hardenbergia might be leggy and the Star Jasmine tendrils might attach itself to the Snow Pears.) Would love to hear if you have any other recommendations to cover a metal chain wire fence. Thanks in advance!!
Hey Kit,
The Hardenbergia would certainly be too leggy. The Star Jasmine is one of the few things that would stay dense to ground level. I would not be worried about the ‘tendrils’ as such. It’s not so vigorous – a once-a-year trim (in the event of that happening) would be sufficient. The alternative would be English ivy. Under trees, and up a wire fence, this can be very effective. It would also stay dense to ground level. There are really no other options suitable for the task (though I’m not sure where you are, and that makes a difference). The only other thing to consider would be a narrow hedge, such as of Viburnum tinus.