7 Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for a Fuller Fence

Flowers cascading over a wooden fence — Credit:
Getty Images

Lush plants growing on an elegant fence are the icing on the cake of a well-tended garden. Some of these climbing varieties even produce colorful flowers and fruit, creating a sweet fragrance and adding a whimsical look.

However, while these plants are beautiful, you may not want to wait too long for them to reach maturity. Fortunately, there are a few fast-growing varieties that will cover a fence in no time at all. Read on for our definitive list of speedy climbing plants.

Mickael Mesker, general manager and resident plant expert at B oardwalk Aruba

01 of 07

Coral Vine

Coral vine (Bignonia corymbosa) is a vigorous tropical liana that climbs by tendrils, producing clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. It thrives in warm climates and is drought-tolerant once established.

“It’s best to prune annually in early spring; wear gloves as sap may irritate skin,” says Mickael Mesker, general manager and resident plant expert at Boardwalk Aruba.

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: Up to 10 meters long
Care requirements: Full sun; water regularly when young, drought-tolerant once established; well-drained soil

02 of 07

Creeping Fig

The creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a steadfast, quietly beautiful climber that clings to walls and fences with tiny aerial roots, covering surfaces in a seamless blanket of heart-shaped leaves. Mesker recommends trimming regularly to control spread—wear gloves when doing so, as sap may irritate the skin.

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: Up to 15 feet long
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade, water regularly, adapts to most soil types

03 of 07

Yellow Mandevilla

The yellow mandevilla has gold, trumpet-shaped flowers that will bloom year-round in warm climates. “This plant is toxic if ingested and it is recommended to fertilize every two weeks in summer,” says Mesker. “This climbing plant will require a trellis or fence for support.”

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: Up to 15 feet long
Care requirements: Full sun, afternoon shade in intense heat; consistent watering; well-drained soil

04 of 07

Bougainveillea

Bougainvillea on pergola — AnnaNahabed / GETTY IMAGES

Bougainvillea's colorful blooms are actually bracts—vivid leaves surrounding a tiny white flower inside. This climbing vine blooms most brilliantly when watered sparingly. According to Mesker, it’s best to prune after bloom cycles, but do so with caution, as there are thorns present.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: Up to 40 feet long
Care requirements: Full sun, allow soil to dry between waterings, well-drained soil

05 of 07

Goldon Pothos

Growth Form, It is a climber to creeper with stems that can grow up to 12 m long. Foliage, The leaves usually have yellow-marble pattern. — Getty Images

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) has green and gold leaves that grow dramatically larger as the plant climbs. This climbing plant is economical too, as it's very easy to propagate from a single cutting.

Zones: 10 to 11
Size: Up to 40 feet long
Care instructions: Full sun to deep shade, extremely adaptable; moderate watering, tolerates drought well; adapts to most soil types

06 of 07

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) bears one of the most extraordinary flowers as a climbing plant, with white petals and a swirling crown of purple and blue filaments. “[It has] tangy, fragrant fruit and needs a strong arch or trellis,” says Mesker. “Prune regularly to shape and encourage fruiting.”

Zones: 9 to 13
Size: About 20 feet long
Care requirements: Full sun; regular water, especially when fruiting; well-drained soil

07 of 07

Dragon's Tail Pothos

Epipremnum, Epipremnum Pinnatum Variegata or Epipremnum pinnatum variegated albo or bicolor plant — Getty Images

Dragon's tail pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum) leaves start small at the base and grow dramatically wider and more split as the plant climbs. “It's virtually maintenance-free once established and as a single cutting can grow into something spectacular; it's easy to plant and replant,” says Mesker.