Ivy plants and other climbers - need some advice on what to buy

I have a short run of fencing/chicken wire which, for privacy purposes, I'd like to cover with perhaps ivy and maybe a mix of other fast growing climbers. Hopefully they can co-exist and not swamp or strangle each other but if not I'll stick with one type as recommended.

Preferably something non-toxic to livestock and dogs (this stretch of fencing borders a field where sheep or cows might stick their heads in and graze).

Must be something which keeps its leaves in winter.

Large leaves preferred too for dense cover.

Fast growing.

One climber that was recommended in another thread is Clematis Armandii.


Thanks

 

Clematis Armandii is nice, but flowers early, I saw a climbing combo in a mates garden and it worked very well, it was evergreen, it changed colour, and had a scent it shouldnt of worked but it did, so my suggestion would be Trachelospermum and parthenocissus. But if you are set on Ivy it can be grown with Clematis, but I would avoid the montanas.

 

Hi,

What length and height are we talking about ?

Ivys usualy hold there leaves over winter, but in our limited experience of them, the first year they give very little new top growth, think they spend it settling into the soil first.

Most Clematis can be trained to grow quiet low, but very little 'coverage' when out of flower.

Quiet a few evergreens for you to see here -
16 Evergreen Shrubs with Amazing Foliage for Year-round Color | Postris

 

Michael. With your wicked sense of humour. Keep yer trap shut!

 

Before choosing the plants, it would be worth making sure that the support will withstand the weight of evergreen climbers, especially during gales. Evergreens offer a lot of wind resistance and weigh a ton, particularly when wet.

 

Thanks for the tips and advice.

The length that needs to be covered is about 9 feet, height is around 6 feet.

Due to nearby buildings the area is fairly sheltered from the prevailing winds (west, south, south-west) - the main issue would perhaps be a severe gale force easterly wind but that is extremely rare here.

There are six thick (4 inch round), sturdy fence posts which the wire fencing is attached to.

 

Yes its been a strange winter, I have some compact large flowered Alstroemeria in bud, and some Belgium mum Chrysanthemum that look like they should in may. But hey have been out all winter. The Armandii Acer combo sounds quite nice.

 

Am I allowed to comment here? Because every time I try I get "This is not a valid comment" and I'm getting tired of it. Grrrr

 

How's about jasmine? Either the winter flowering one, or the "normal"? That's pretty good for twining its way through fences.

Akebia is a good one too. Interesting flowers, scented, and evergreen or nearly so. And it's something not everyone has in their garden.

 

I certainly would *not* recommend ivy though, any more than I'd suggest people plant dandelions or Japanese knotweed. If there's one thing you don't want anywhere in a garden, it's ivy. Just my personal opinion. I've spent too much time shifting the stuff to think of it as anything other than a weed.

 

Yes. Not on purpose, I haven't been here long enough to offend anyone, but I just keep getting "This is not a valid message" and I don't know why?

 

Is this pic of a butterfly on our buddleia offensive? Lol