I've got about a 30' stretch of chain link fence that gets full sun all day in my back yard. When I moved in last summer, it was mostly covered with morning glories (and weeds).

I really REALLY want to plant trumpet vine to cover it, but after reading more I'm starting to seriously think I shouldn't plant it. Things like it might eventually take down the fence and that it might be aggressively intrusive to my neighbor's yard. My stretch is only about 1' wide, it's next to my driveway, and I could easily keep it trimmed from going past the fence, but my neighbor has a row of peonies on their side of the fence and their full lawn. I considered honeysuckle vine and clematis as well, but they both seem to have the same problems, although possibly on a bit smaller scale.

Am I right in thinking the trumpet vine would end up being a huge mistake or could I manage it without killing the fence and alienating my neighbor? After cleaning up the dead stringy vines from the morning glories last fall and getting them out from between the links of the fence, I swore there has to be something easier/better than that. But I'm about ready to start morning glory seeds and plant them again (but in fancier varieties). Unless there's something else that flowers that I'm missing.

I'm in Zone 5, Chicago area.

In my climate, Trumpet vine would definitely be a problem, but your shorter growing season might keep it in check. Someone in your zone needs to advise you.

Trumpet vine would be a huge mistake it would sprout from the roots into your neighbors yard after it gets established plus it would be to bushy for a narrow space. I am still trying to get rid of one planted years ago the main plant is gone but it is still sprouting from roots that have traveled everywhere in my garden.

With the narrow space you have some of the clematis that do not grow overly tall might work depending on how tall the fence is, some clematis can get quite tall. I think the honeysuckle vine in that narrow space would be hard to control when it gets established although it would be better than a trumpet vine. Good luck with your project.

The fence is your typical 3' high city yard fence. I'll take a look at manageable clematis varieties. For those that say climbing 8' high, can they simply be trained to spread out more sideways than up? Or do I need to stick to the dwarf varieties that climb 4'?

Post your question on clematis on the clematis forum https://garden.org/forums/view...
I have some clems but am not by any means an expert, others on the clematis will better be able to answer your question. To me a three foot fence seems rather short for vines.

Thanks for that info, I'll do that.

Murky, I would be concerned that you will have a tough time growing a Trumpet Vine to bloom in your zone. I am a Zone or two higher, (Can.) and I have mine in an unheated greenhouse. Never bloomed. Clematis won't hurt your three foot fence. Just tie the canes so they go out in both directions. Cheers!

I find trumpet creeper one of the easier comes to control. The added benefit is that hummingbirds and bumble bee love them. I never see anything on clematis or any of the more commonly grown vines. Root sprouting is easy to deal with by moving but would also depends on what is on the other side of the fence. Like most stuff, if left unchecked and untrained, it could be a problem down the road. I'd much rather deal with that than honeysuckle, porcelain berry, wisteria, or clematis. YMMV.