10 Creative Ideas for Hanging Plants on a Fence

Can you hang plants on a fence? The answer is a resounding... YES!

Although species like climbing hydrangea, ivy (various types), Virginia creeper and firethorn can grow unsupported, these tend to undermine the fence over a period. The focus of this article then is hanging plants on a fence with the support of specialist equipment. Below we list ten ideas for you to consider when hanging climbing plants for fences.

Our experts have considered the various plant fence equipment, which can be used and have drawn up an exciting list of ten inspirational ideas. These are provided in alphabetical order from the fourth option down with the most popular three, planters, hanging baskets and hooks/brackets, listed first.

A popular option, planters can be attached successfully to walls and fences. They are available in a wide selection of styles, colours and materials. Even smaller gardens can benefit from smaller-sized planters.

You can buy planters easily online with ceramic, metal, plastic and wooden all being popular materials. If recycling is important to you, DIY planters can be built from household materials such as brick, pallets, recycled bottles, terracotta pots and wooden boxes.

From the Victorian era onwards, hanging baskets have been popular in the UK. Often used for displaying flowering plants such as begonias, daffodils, geraniums, hydrangeas, marigolds, petunias and roses, hanging baskets are popular with gardeners of all skill levels.

A large selection of hanging basket varieties are available, these will support the weight of the compost and plants you are displaying. Trailing plants such as black-eyed Susan vine, creeping Jenny, ivy, nasturtiums and sweet peas can also be planted to create a cascading freefall effect.

In material terms, wire baskets and plastic baskets are the most popular with wood, metal and wicker being other options. Again, hanging baskets can be readily bought or DIY options can be made.

Screw-in hooks and brackets are another low-cost and sturdy option for supporting climbing plants on a fence:

If you are looking for a unique eye-catching idea, why not consider repurposing drawers from chests for hanging climbing plants on fences? This is both a creative and sustainable way to create a plant fence. Attach the drawers using various techniques such as brackets, clamps, hooks, strong ropes and screws or nails.

Once attached simply fill them with compost and plant climbing species such as clematis, honeysuckle or sweet peas, which will thrive inside a drawer! Remember to drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, this is critical for plant health. Drawers with handles are even better, as this can be a decorative feature, but also can be used for hanging, but reinforcement is usually required.

Fence shelving is an effective method for attaching climbing plants to a fence. Metal, composite, or wooden fences can all be used. Shelves provide excellent support for climbing plants as they grow, and they can also be used to store compost. Plants can either be planted directly on the shelves (in a variety of containers), or the shelves are used to train the plants to climb.

By attaching vertical trellis panels or hooks, additional support can be provided. Adding multiple shelves at different levels is common but ensure there is adequate space between shelves for airflow. To promote plant health, always avoid overcrowding.

Although new glass bottles and jars can be purchased, we like the thought of recycling household glass to maximum effect in the garden. Simply attach the glass bottles or jars to the fence using screws, strong wire, or twine and drill holes in the back to secure them with brackets to the fence. Climbing plant species like ivy, morning glory and sweet peas will thrive when planted inside glassware and will rapidly grow through the opening and cascade outwards.

A vertical gardening technique, the glass containers can be strategically placed along the fence, giving plants space to grow and spread. Many gardeners love the aesthetic appeal of the glass, which works especially well in modern décor schemes. This eco-friendly technique will support climbing plants on a fence, which can be trained to grow in a tidy pattern that suits your needs.

Another popular hanging method is painted cans and containers. Painting them allows you to choose the exact colours to match your garden décor from traditional greens and browns to modern silvers and metallic colours. The choice is yours, and yet again, these are a popular eco-friendly option for you to recycle household items, although you can buy new ones too.

These are an ideal way to create a plant fence, but you need to avoid paint toxicity. Always choose plant-safe paints, which will be labelled as non-toxic and safe for use with plants. Adding a protective liner (plastic or fabric) inside the container will reduce the chances of chemicals leaching into the soil. For the health of the plants, we always recommend a time gap between painting and active usage.

Again, eco-friendly, an upcycled colander is ideal for hanging climbing plants on a fence. This innovative solution comes readymade with holes, so is natural for drainage. As with cans, colanders can be painted to your desired décor scheme. A protective liner should be used, and the colander can be attached using sturdy wire, which can be woven through holes for a secure attachment.

A variety of climbing plant species can be chosen, but colanders are recommended for lighter species, as they have low weight-bearing capabilities.

We have already mentioned trellis and planters a few times, but they are certainly worthy of their own mention! Buy trellis from us in a range of large range of options including planter trellis, as well as other variants such as arched trellis, fence toppers, lattice trellis, etc.

The trellis planter consists of a planter box at the bottom with a trellis panel behind for the climbing plants to grow. This vertical gardening solution is popular in many UK gardens and is a real space saver. If you are looking to buy a trellis planter, the Forest Garden 2’7”x1’4” Trellis Wooden Garden Planter is a great choice.

Give life to old crates by recycling them for use as climbing plant support. Species like clematis, honeysuckle and ivy will thrive in the spaciousness of crates and will enjoy the deep anchoring of their roots into the rich compost. Brackets are preferable for mounting crates, for their extra sturdiness. Multiple crates can be successfully added to create a tiered effect, this also gives the plants a chance to naturally spread.

Timber preservation is important with crates, so be sure to apply a high-quality wood preservative to keep them looking good and to prevent rotting. We also recommend a fabric or plastic liner to extend the crate's lifespan.

We have mentioned all the climbing plant species below, previously in the article. These are all recommended to create a plant fence, but the most appropriate plant choice will depend on the method(s) you choose for hanging plants on a fence:

1. Clematis - loved for its beautiful and vibrant flowers, clematis is an incredibly popular climbing plant choice for fences. Marry seamlessly into your décor scheme with a huge selection of colours, with shades from deep purple to soft white being available!
2. Climbing hydrangea - most people know about hydrangeas, but do not necessarily have awareness of the climbing variety. Species like Hydrangea Anomala Petiolaris, produce sizable clusters of attractive white flowers and are recommended for heavily shaded garden areas where they thrive. The foliage is attractive on its own, though this species will need pruning and can spread, if left unchecked, like "wildfire"
3. Climbing rose - add scent and romance to your garden with climbing and rambling roses for fences. The flowers are beautiful, and a wide selection of colours are available. Ask your garden centre for appropriate climbing species, with "New Dawn" and "Eden" being two recommended options
4. Honeysuckle - impress and attract pollinators with fragrant honeysuckle plants. Their familiar tubular flowers are as fragrant as they are stunning to the eye. Available in shades such as pink, orange and yellow, this is a fast-growing plant, which will need plenty of support. Choose honeysuckle if you want your fencing covered quickly, the blooms will typically be in view four months per year but could feature for over five months if you are lucky
5. Ivy - if you are seeking lush greenery results rather than flowers, then choose ivy. This is a plant-and-forget species that provides dense foliage and will quickly cover a garden fence. Also helping with privacy, ivy provides year-round coverage as it is an evergreen, irrespective of which ivy variety you choose
6. Sweet peas – are certainly, the most fragrant of our selection, the name comes from the "sweet" fragrance. They are a part of the pea family, but beware their peas and pods are toxic and must not be eaten! Sweet peas are annuals, so will only last one summer, but the effort is well worthwhile, and they will cover your fence admirably in the summer months
7. Wisteria - this species is one of the ideal climbing plants for fences and loves full sunlight and is quite dramatic when in full bloom. The flowers are most often purple (frequently lavender shade), white, or pink and they are certainly a lot more appealing than a plain aged fence! Wisteria cascades with vigour and certainly will be popular with visitors

Hanging plants on a fence is a great way to add to your garden’s looks and make the most of small spaces. By using clever methods like fence planters, hanging planters or wall planters you can add plants and transform your outdoor area. Add climbing plants to your fences, such as clematis or honeysuckle and they will grow and cover plain fencing with beauty. Support these plants with baskets, DIY hooks or planter boxes and you can customise and add functionality.

From flowerpots to recycled items like drawers or painted cans there are so many ways to create a unique and stylish vertical garden. This not only adds to your space but also allows you to shop or repurpose items sustainably. Whether you have a large garden or a balcony there is a solution for every size and area. With a little thought and some high-quality materials, your plant fence will be a focal point you and your visitors will love.

Discover how Shedstore can help you transform your garden, whether you are looking to showcase hanging plants on a fence or explore stylish solutions for fence planters and vertical gardens. From hanging planters to wall planters, our range is perfect for small spaces, allowing you to grow plants and add a touch of nature to any area. Check out our planters and plant pots, which are crafted with care and will be perfect for many UK gardens.