Chainlink fences often feel utilitarian—sturdy but uninspiring. Yet they offer the perfect lattice for vigorous vines to climb, transforming bare metal into a living tapestry. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless climbers, and nothing delights me more than seeing a once-bleak fence become a buzzing wildlife corridor! Whether you’re masking a neighbor’s view or creating a green backdrop, these vines—native gems and well-behaved exotics—will cling, flourish, and even host nesting insects.
I know how frustrating it is when vines either refuse to climb or escape containment altogether. That’s why I’ve hand-picked these eleven stars, each tested on chainlink, each with its own charm. From trumpet vines that serenade hummingbirds to delicate clematis blooms that bring butterflies, you’ll find the perfect partner for your fence. Let’s dive in and turn that grid of metal into a spectacular green gateway!
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Native to tropical Americas, morning glory is an annual vine prized for its rapid growth and large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. It isn’t considered invasive when grown as an annual, but it does self-seed—so deadhead spent blooms if you want to curb volunteers. The twining stems cling easily to chainlink, creating a fast screen.
The brightly colored flowers unfurl at dawn, attracting hummingbirds and day‐flying moths eager for nectar. I love pausing with my morning coffee to watch bees buzz inside the blossoms! Their ephemeral blooms also encourage guests to explore your fence at first light, making every sunrise feel like a garden party.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Campsis radicans is a robust native of the southeastern US, sporting fiery orange-red trumpet flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. Though not classified as invasive in its home range, it can naturalize in favorable conditions—so it needs occasional pruning to keep it from overwhelming neighboring plants. Its aerial rootlets latch onto chainlink with ease, creating a living wall of blooms.
The heavy nectar production draws ruby-throated hummingbirds in summer, while the dense foliage provides shelter for small songbirds. I’ve witnessed fledglings flitting within its tangle—what a joy! Just be prepared for vigorous growth: annual shearing keeps it in check without sacrificing floral fireworks.
Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
Originating from Africa and Asia, hyacinth bean is an easy-to-grow annual vine that displays pendulous clusters of purple flowers followed by ornamental seed pods. It’s not invasive in most climates, though it self-seeds readily in warm regions. The trifoliate leaves and dangling blossoms weave beautifully through chainlink openings.
Bees adore the nectar-rich blooms, and once pods form, leafcutter bees often nest in nearby bare soil, using shredded leaves to line their brood cells. I always leave a patch of bare earth at the fence’s base—watching those industrious bees flit in is one of my favorite garden delights!
Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
Native to eastern North America, Dutchman’s pipe is a vigorous deciduous climber with heart-shaped leaves and unique pipe-shaped flowers. It isn’t invasive but can become large, so plant it where you can allow spread. The thick foliage offers excellent privacy when drifting over chainlink.
Native pipevine swallowtail butterflies lay eggs on its leaves, and watching caterpillars munch away is both adorable and educational! I love offering this host plant—supporting local butterfly populations feels like giving back to nature’s cycle right at home.
Clematis (Clematis spp.)
With origins spanning Europe, Asia, and North America, clematis encompasses hundreds of species and cultivars, many of which are non-invasive. Their wiry leaf stems grip chainlink well, displaying an array of flowers—from nodding bell shapes to starburst designs in nearly every hue.
Bees, especially bumblebees, seek out the abundant pollen within each blossom, and some solitary bees nest in hollow stems or adjacent twig piles. One of my clematis varieties practically hums with insect activity—it’s like a living treasure chest of pollinators!
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Hailing from East Asia, Boston ivy isn’t typically invasive in well-maintained gardens, though it can naturalize in temperate climates. Its adhesive tendrils cling tightly to chainlink, creating a lush green carpet that turns brilliant scarlet in fall.
I’ve spotted nesting paper wasps beneath its dense cover, and birds often hitch rides along its stems. The seasonal color shift—emerald to ruby—adds year‐round interest, making your fence an ever-changing spectacle!
Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
Native to the mountains of Central America, scarlet runner beans are annuals grown for their bright red flowers and edible pods. They aren’t invasive, but they self-seed if pods are left to dry. The climbing stems twist around chainlink, forming a vivid screen of blooms.
Hummingbirds flock to those scarlet blooms, and bumblebees wedge themselves between petals for nectar. As edible beans develop, I harvest for summer soups, but I always leave a few pods for seed—to watch the next generation spring up!
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Originating in East Asia, star jasmine is an evergreen vine known for its fragrant white flowers. It’s non-invasive in temperate gardens when properly maintained. The slender stems anchor easily to chainlink, offering lush foliage year‐round.
Its intense, gardenia-like scent wafts through evening air, drawing night‐flying moths that feast on nectar. I love stepping outside at dusk, breathing in that perfume—and glimpsing Luna moths fluttering amid the blossoms!
Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral honeysuckle, native to eastern North America, features trumpet-shaped red and yellow blooms that are less invasive than its Asian cousins. The vine produces tendrils that wrap snugly around chainlink, providing a graceful screen.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds zip into each flower, while small bees collect pollen. I’ve watched cardinals flit through the foliage, searching for hidden insects—this vine truly becomes a tiny wildlife corridor!
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Native to eastern North America, Virginia creeper uses small adhesive discs to climb, making it ideal for chainlink. It’s not generally invasive in managed settings but self-seeds in cracks and crevices if left unchecked. The five-part leaves turn blazing red in autumn, adding seasonal drama.
The dense canopy shelters nesting wrens and finches, and its late-summer berries feed migrating birds. One of my favorite sights is a sparrow flock gleaning those dark berries—bringing life and movement to every inch of the fence!
Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
Hailing from South America, blue passionflower is valued for its intricate blooms and edible fruits. It’s not invasive in most temperate gardens, though it can naturalize in mild zones. Its tendrils coil tightly around chainlink, creating a delicate lacy screen speckled with exotic flowers.
Butterflies like the Gulf fritillary use passionflower as a host, laying eggs on the underside of leaves. Watching caterpillars hatch and metamorphose into brilliant orange butterflies is one of the most rewarding garden spectacles!
