Honeysuckle for a shaded fence or something else ?

Hi everyone,

had part of my old fence replaced bottom of the garden it didn’t have long left before it fell over after the storms we have had.

The area gets sun directly in the morning for roughly two hours and the rest of the day in shade from the fence. soil is well drained.. no overhanging trees.

all advice appreciated

Spruce

 

I'd have thought that area would be ideal for a honeysuckle as they prefer shade. The only drawback might be that it will ultimately destroy your fence and the neighbours might not appreciate it on their side.

 

A Clematis will be gentler on your fence but may need some support, depending on the style of your fence. Group 3 varieties like Etoile Violette are easy to grow and maintain. I have one in a similar location which gets only morning sun, then light shade.

 

A honeysuckle should be fine if you choose a suitable variety, not too big and vigorous, then keep it trimmed.

I have honeysuckles and clematis group 3 on fences. The group 3 clems are easy as you just cut them back to 6 - 10 inches end of every winter. They will need wires to tie them to and for them to cling to.

 

Honeysuckle would be good, with the proviso that it's kept well-watered and fed. They flower so much better with some TLC and mildew can be avoided.
If you're going to provide wires, they can also be trained as espaliers to cover the maximum surface area and avoid the 'all bunched up at the top' look
A quick whizz along the 'branches' with shears or a hedgetrimmer a couple of times a year keeps them looking neat without compromising flowering.
L.japonica Halliana is not the most colourful but is scented and semi-evergreen.

 

Halliana is one of the most vigorous. I've just cut mine down to about 4 ft. I didn't know you could give them a quick whizz with shears.

 

After a fruitless search through my badly-organised photos to find one of it flowering, this is it at the moment