10 Flowering Vines That Cover a Fence Beautifully

Tip #10: Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)

If you garden in a hot, dry region and want an explosion of saturated color that dominates your fence line, bougainvillea stands completely unmatched. Famous across Mediterranean and southwestern landscapes, this woody evergreen climber produces mass displays of papery, brightly colored bracts—ranging from magenta, electric purple, and fiery orange to golden yellow—that completely obscure its dark green leaves from late spring through fall. Bougainvillea relies on sharp, curved thorns and long, scrambling canes to lean on and interlace through sturdy wooden structures, iron gates, or heavy wire fencing. Because mature plants build heavy, thorny branches, secure main branches securely using heavy-duty garden ties along durable fencing. Plant bougainvillea in full, blazing sun and lean, sandy or gravelly soil that drains dry quickly; overwatering or over-fertilizing reduces colorful bract production, so let the soil dry out between thorough waterings to stimulate maximum flower production.