Beautify Your Fence With A Fast-Growing Climbing Perennial That Hummingbirds Love

A simple wooden fence can be a little too utilitarian by design. Cheer up your boring fence without spending too much time or effort using a beautiful native perennial vine. Known as northern leatherflower (Clematis viorna), or simply leatherflower, this species will add a charming touch to your fence with its bell-shaped flowers. Growing between 8 and 12 feet tall, this species will provide coverage to small to large fences. It's also one of the most stunning plants to grow along your pre-existing fence if you love hummingbirds and want to attract more of them.

This type of vining clematis is classified as critically imperiled in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Delaware, which means there's a chance you could have a little trouble locating it at your local garden center. However, because of its native origins, leatherflower grows well across states in the north central and eastern U.S. In its native environment, this species of clematis is found on wooded banks and in thickets. It is hardy from zones 4 through 9 and as a herbaceous perennial, you can expect it to return each year. Considering its native habitat in woodlands and forests, it's not surprising that leatherflower prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade. Planting it near a fence can provide some cover to make this clematis variety work in your outdoor space.

Leatherflower displays nodding flowers with a distinct appearance. These bell-shaped blooms droop down with petals that curl up in a dainty fashion. Ranging in color from lavender to pink, these 1-inch-sized flowers are made up of sepals (leaf-like flower parts that protect buds), not petals. Because of these long-blooming flowers, the leatherflower gets another name: Vasevine. These little vase-like blooms hold rich nectar deposits that hummingbirds find irresistible, making this species one of the flowers that hummingbirds absolutely love. You and your hummingbird friends can enjoy its flowers from May into the fall. 

Given enough space, the leatherflower easily climbs up and over structures, making it ideal to plant near a fence to add color and attract wildlife to your garden. If you're seeking fairy garden ideas that are downright magical, consider this whimsical-looking plant for a hummingbird-attracting addition. And all types of pollinators enjoy the leatherflower, not only hummingbirds, but butterflies and moths, too. However, be aware that this type of clematis is highly poisonous if accidentally consumed by humans, cats, dogs, and horses. Overall, northern leatherflower will make any fence more beautiful with its attractive gray-green foliage dotted with plump, bell-shaped blooms.