Climber Recommendations

[neversay]

Could anyone recommend a (non-destructive) climber to cover a large wooden fence that is north facing?

Many thanks,

N.

[oldapple]

There are a lot of depends here, depends on how large your fence is, depends what you mean by non-destructive ... but what about this?

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10471/i-L ... -i/Details

We got this because Henry was my father's name and, like him, it's well-behaved, it's covered a large area, and it's good-looking!

[Dod101]

Good heavens. I thought you were looking for Chris Bonnington.

Dod

[neversay]

@dod Is Chris Bonnington none destructive?

@oldapple. The previous very old fence was wrecked by ivy and the clematis we planted was slow growing and a bit wispy. A honeysuckle is a great suggestion and the RHS page has a useful search engine as well - thank you.

[Dod101]

I do not know whether Chris Bonnington is non destructive but I am not surprised that your clematis did nothing much on a north facing fence. It needs to be in full sun with cool roots to get the best from it. You may have had the latter but unless you live in say Australia you certainly were not providing the former.

I do not know what growing conditions are needed for success with honeysuckle but mine seems to grow pretty much anywhere, some sites better than others.

Dod

[PinkDalek]

[but I am not surprised that your clematis did nothing much on a north facing fence. It needs to be in full sun with cool roots to get the best from it. ...

There are some Clematis that are said to be ideal for such places. Also from The Royal Horticultural Society, here's a list of many Climbers and wall shrubs which may be suitable (also from The Royal Horticultural Society):

Climbers and wall shrubs for shade

North- or east-facing walls and fences often receive very little direct sunlight, but that doesn't mean you can't grow plants in these places. When choosing a climber or wall shrub for such a spot, choose one that can cope with cold and shady conditions. ...

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?PID=467

Mind you, the previously mentioned Henry's honeysuckle was something mentioned to us as a good choice many years ago.

[dspp]

Good heavens. I thought you were looking for Chris Bonnington.

Dod

He prefers north faces covered in fixed ropes with sponsorship and a book deal.



dspp

[Nimrod103]

Could anyone recommend a (non-destructive) climber to cover a large wooden fence that is north facing?

Many thanks,

N.

In the context of a wooden fence, by non destructive, I assume you mean a climber that doesn't force growing shoots between the planks of the fence, which then expand damaging the fence.
That rules out ivy, Virginia Creeper, Climbing Hydrangea, and in fact almost anything which climbs by attachment and is a vigorous grower. Have you thought of an espalier trained tree like a morello cherry? I believe that will grow and fruit in the shade.