Climbing Privacy Plant for Zone 4a

Hello,

I am looking for some recommendations for relatively fast growing privacy plants for Zone 4a.

We have a new deck that is 5.5' off the ground, with another 4.5' of railing and a pergola that extends another 5.5' high. Total height 15.5'.

Would anyone have a recommendation of what kind of ivy/climbing plant that would provide privacy, look good and be relatively hardy?

Underneath the deck the plan was to put in some lattice for the plants to climb.

Thanks,
Kcm

 

4a per what zoning system? USDA 4a or equivalent would probably be too cold for just about all evergreen climbers.

 

Ummm sorry Ron - this is my first stab at this.

I found a map of Canada created by Agriculture Canada.

I live in Parry Sound Ontario.

The area where these plants would go is mostly shady - with some sun.

thanks,
Kcm

 

The hardiest ones are things like Euonymus fortunei.

 

Thanks a million Ron,

On wikipedia it mentions it is a woody evergreen vine - I hate to ask the dopey question, but does that mean it really keeps its leaves in the winter too?

Thanks,
Kathleen

 

Kathleen if a vine won't work maybe shrubs that grow in your area in pots up on the deck it's self till you can get something going. Can't help re type of plants your climate type is way out of my ability to suggest anything.

Yes evergreen means it keeps leaves. No question is dopey ask and you will learn from many on list such as Ron

Liz

 

Thanks a million Liz,
Kathleen

 

Kathleen, you might also consider the deciduous climber Hydrangea petiolaris (AKA Hydrangea anomala petiolaris and other similar names). Though this loses its leaves in the winter, it remains attractive year-round with tawny-colored stems that over time grow into such a dense mass that it does provide screening even when it is not in leaf. And I imagine that you don't use your deck too much during the cold season anyway, so privacy in winter is not as important as privacy in summer.

Another cool thing about this plant is that you can effortlessly raise new plants from cuttings and so have lots of it growing here and there on your property. The white flowers are attractive and, overall, I find it a much more interesting plant than Euonymus.

 

Great information kaspian,

This is good stuff.
Kathleen