I'm looking for some prickly plants to grow on a fence in Virginia to deter persistent trespassers. Autocorrect got me in trouble by turning 'vine' into 'vineyard', but what I really want is something thorny or prickly that can grow big and bushy. I live on the south side of Virginia, near the North Carolina border, so any recommendations are appreciated!
3 Answers
Raspberries and blackberries could be great options! They grow fast, can be easily trimmed, and their woody stems endure through the winter. Plus, they spread nicely to cover the area you want!
If you want a classic, go for climbing roses or even Osage orange. But if you're feeling a bit more mischievous, think about growing stinging nettle or poison ivy. They definitely pack a punch in terms of deterrence!
Consider planting Washington Hawthorne. It's a larger shrub with long thorns—perfect for keeping unwanted visitors away. Plus, it produces fruit that local wildlife love! Just watch out for those thorns; they mean business!

Haha, poison ivy! That's taking it to a whole new level. Just make sure you're ready for your own little ‘nature surprise’ if you're not careful!