Last updated on March 19th, 2021
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Climbing plants for shade
Most gardens have a shady spot, usually against a North or East-facing wall or fence where conditions can also be dry but can equally be damp. These areas are usually left bare but this does not need to be, there are plenty of climbing plants that like shade and are well suited for these conditions as it is most like the natural environment they would usually grow, in areas such as woodlands areas under large trees.
In the garden these areas often have poor soil and it is always a good idea to add leaf mould, organic composted media such as a homemade compost or simply adding some multi-purpose compost to the soil. This will help to revive and add nutrients back into the soil. That being said, some climbers are adapted to living in poor soils and will thrive. Most climbing plants will not survive soils with poor drainage that hold water, if your area is like this then try to add some grit to the soil and organic matter to improve drainage so that the soil is free draining.
Best climbing plants for shade
- Hydrangea anomala petiolaris
- Clematis montana
- Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’
- Hedera (Ivy)
- Parthenocissus
- Jasminum nudiflorum
- Solanum jasminoides Album
- Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle)
- Clematis Alpina, Clematis macropetala, and Jackmanii
- Climbing Roses
Shade loving climbing plants
The plants below are all suitable for more shady areas of the garden, some prefer poor soils whilst others prefer fertile soil. Some grow better in dense shade whilst others are more suitable for partially shaded areas. It is a good idea to take this into account when planning which plants are more suitable for your area.
1. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris AGM
Climbing Hydrangeas are an excellent climbing plant and will thrive in more shadier parts of the garden reaching heights of 50ft making them ideal for covering large areas. They use the aerial roots to attach themselves to walls and fences and do not require support. They produce long cone shaped white flowers that are 30cm long from around May to June, these are produced on the previous year’s growth. They need well-drained soil and it is a good idea to do any pruning straight after flowering has finished as pruning later will remove new growth and will result in less flowers the following year. It has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
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- WHAT TO EXPECT: 3 plants supplied in approx.1-2 litre containers
- POSITION: This plant can be positioned in full or partial shade as well as full sun
- CARE: Grow in moist but well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter.
2. Clematis montana
There are many varieties of Clematis montana, these include ‘Rubens’ with it’s pink flowers and the ‘Grandiflora’ which has pure white flowers. Whichever variety you choose, (and many of them look very similar) they are all generally fast growing deciduous climbers that will thrive in partial shade. They use their twining leaf stems to wrap around trellis frame work or other supports and flower around May when masses of star-shaped single flowers are produced. They are suitable for exposed or sheltered areas but do need well-drained soil.
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- Characteristics: Deciduous climbing shrub with dark green foliage and scented, pale pink flowers appearing in early Summer.
- Growth & Spread: Ultimate height of 6 – 8m and spread of 1 – 2m.
- Period of Interest: Summer interest. Clusters of vanilla scented, pale pink flowers with yellow stamens blooming in early Summer.
- Water & Maintenance: Plant in retentive, well-drained soil. Keep in full or partial sun but keep roots cool and shaded. Protect from frost and avoid waterlogging.
3. Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ AGM
Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ – Image source: wikimedia.org
Also commonly known as the ‘Hall’s Japanese Honeysuckle’, this climber is ideal for partial shade positions in the garden and will thrive in any moist soil as long as it is well-drained. It has dark green ovate leaves and produces distinctive white/yellow tubular flowers from April through to August. It grows to around 4 to 8 metres tall but can be pruned to keep it under control in smaller positions. Ideally suited to partial shade and provides all-year-round colour. Works well growing through large trees and shrubs as well as being grown against a wall, fence or gable end of a house.
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- Pot Size (Supplied) - 9cm
- Plant Height (Incl. Pot) - 30 - 40cm
- Characteristics - Evergreen climber plant, mid green leaves, white-yellow flowers in summer, vigorous climbing habit, suitable for groundcover and trellises
- Growth & Spread - Height 6m - 8m, Spread 3m - 5m
- Flourishing Season - Flourishes in spring and summer, flowering in May - August
4. Hedera (Ivy)
Hedera also known as Common Ivy
There are many types of Ivy, which often come in a wide range of colours, from dark green leaves to variegated yellow and cream leaves. Seen widely across the UK and in many gardens, they use their aerial roots to climb walls and can be grown up anything from walls to fences and trees.
They are probably one the hardiest climbers available and will grow in semi-shade as well as dense shade making them ideal for the most shaded areas of the garden. With lots of varieties available, there are some smaller varieties so check the eventual sizes before purchasing.
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- Stunning Mix Of Ivy Plants
- Includes 3 Different Varietys
- Perfect For Patio Pots Or Hanging Baskets
- Evergreen Colour
5. Parthenocissus
Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Image source: wikimedia.org
Commonly known as Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper, this deciduous climber is at home in dense shade as it is in full sun. This vigorous climber uses tendrils or disc-like suckers to attach itself to walls and fences and are self-climbing. They have lobed, palmate-type leaves which produce the most stunning show of colour in autumn as the leaves turn from green to a stunning show of fiery red and orange colours before falling for the winter. They will grow in most soils including dry and damp soils as long as it is well-drained (as with most climbers). Grows to around 12 metres tall with a spread of 8 metres so it is ideal for covering large walls and is often seen growing up the sides of houses. There are many varieties to choose from but one we would highly recommend is the Parthenocissus quinquefolia.
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- SET OF 2 VIRGINIA CREEPERS - The virgin vine "Veitch Boskoop" (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a great, self-adhesive climbing plant with an enchanting red autumn colour. Thanks to its strong adhesive roots, the virgin vine grows quickly and holds very well against a house wall or fence.
- VIGOROUS AUTUMN COLOURS - The Parthenocissus tricuspidata "Veitch Boskoop" is a real leaf ornamental plant. The leaves are divided into three tips and are shiny green. They are most striking in autumn: then it takes on flaming yellow and orange shades. This luxuriant climbing plant is also called Wild Wine and can climb up to 6 metres high.
- EASY CARE - The maiden vine makes few demands and thrives well in normal garden soils. Do you plant the virgin vine near the house wall? Then remember that the soil here is often poor. If necessary, improve the soil with compost or fertilised garden soil. Give this climbing plant a place in full sun or partial shade. You can cut back the branches of the plant every year in spring.
- GOOD TO KNOW - The climber will hold on to the wall and may damage the surface. So keep the virgin vine away from your door and window frames and other woodwork. Walls can easily be covered with this magnificent foliage plant.
- HIGH QUALITY AND FAST SHIPPING - At Bakker we help you to make your house and garden, terrace and balcony green. For over 70 years, our customers have trusted the excellent quality of our extensive range of plant products. This makes Bakker the number 1 in shipping plants in Europe
6. Jasminum nudiflorum
Jasminium nudiflorium – winter flower ideal for partial shade
A beautiful climber that is also known as the ‘Winter Jasmine’. It is ideal for a partially shaded position in well-drained soil. Ideal for coastal gardens, this climber is also classed as a medium-sized shrub and does need tying onto support frames to grow on. It produces stunning small bright yellow flowers in the winter and spring. These flowers appear after it has dropped its leaves for the winter and the show is absolutely stunning. It prefers a more sheltered position which will offer it a little protection from the weather and grows to around 2.5 metres tall by around the same spread. The stem growth is vine-like with small green leaves. If left unsupported it also makes a great ground spreading shrub.
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- Fabulous winter colour with deep yellow fragrant star flowers produced on the long green stems throughout the winter.
- Evergreen foliage creates structure and coverage for fences and walls during winter months.
- Easy to grow and exceptionally hardy, Jasminum Nudiflorum is ideal to train as a wall shrub or on wires along a fence.
- Jasminum Hardy Shrub; Supplied as 2 x 9cm Jasminum Nudiflorum Potted Shrubs. Supplied with T&M's very own cultural instructions on how to care for your plants.
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7. Solanum jasminoides Album
Solanum jasminoides – Image source: wikimedia.org
This jasmine-scented evergreen climber is also known as the ‘Potato Vine’. It is best grown on a support or trellis and it will even grow well through other climbers and shrubs. Best planted in a sheltered spot, it grows well in semi-shade in any fertile but well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant and will grow to around 4-6 metres with around the same spread. The star-shaped white or purple flowers have a mild perfume and will flower from June right the way through to September. It has been awarded an RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit). Cut back any side shoots to around 2 to 4 buds in spring and prune to keep it to your desired size.
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8. Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle)
Lonicera periclymenum – Image Credit: wikimedia.org
Known as ‘Late Dutch Honeysuckle‘ these climbers are very fast growing and are ideal for climbing over pergolas, fences and alternatively up walls too. Lonicera periclymenum are a vigorous, deciduous climbing shrub with oval-shaped dark green leaves. They produce attractive perfumed flowers in summer which last into the autumn which are followed by attractive by red berries.
They grow well in most well-drained soils in partial shade so will grow well on a north facing wall. Ideal for exposed or sheltered positions in the garden.
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- Height full grown (cm): 500-800
- Flowering month: June-August
- Flowercolor: yellow;purple
- Leafcolor: green
- Extra info: autumn coloring, smelling, evergreen, plant must be supported, sometimes second flowering in the fall
9. Clematis alpina, Clematis macropetala, and Jackmanii
Clematis alpina ‘Blue Dancer’
These clematis are all deciduous varieties that will grow in partial shade happily and prefer a moist but well-drained soil. Clematis are best planted with their crown (just above the soil level) planted a few inches deep below the final soil level when planting to encourage new growth from ground level. Mulch around the base and add a layer of bark or pebbles around the base which will help to keep the roots cool. They will grow in most soil types in sheltered or exposed positions.
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- CLEMATIS - The clematis belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This climbing plant can grow up to 2-3m high.
- BLUE FLOWER - The "Alpina" looks great in the garden. The blue-purple nodding flowers bloom in early summer. The light green leaves create a nice contrast.
- CLIMBING CLEMATIS - The clematis is a real climbing plant. Let the plant grow on a wall, fence, or pergola. Help the clematis climb by tying up young twigs.
- CARE - The clematis thrives in a sunny location with humus-rich and moist soil. Water more during dry periods. You can keep the foot cool and moist by planting a low shrub in front of your clematis. A layer of fertilised compost also contributes to good growth.
- HIGH QUALITY AND FAST SHIPPING - At Bakker we help you to make your house and garden, terrace and balcony green. For over 70 years, our customers have trusted the excellent quality of our extensive range of plant products. This makes Bakker the number 1 in shipping plants in Europe
10. Climbing Roses
Zephirine Droughin climbing rose – Image source: wikimedia.org
Most climbing roses need full sun but there are a few climbing roses that will grow well in more shadier parts of the garden. We have an article “Climbing roses for shade” where we have written in more detail about the top 8 climbing roses for shade. There is no other climbing plant that provides the same colours and scent that some climbing roses do. Most climbing roses will reach between 3 and 4 metres tall and will grow well in a humus-rich moist soil but it needs to be well-drained. They also offer flowers for months on end all the way through summer. Our roses which will grow in partial shade include:
- Zephirine Droughin (which is thornless), the Madame Alfred Carriere and the Danse de Feu
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- One of the best yellow roses released and holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
- Repeat flowering until autumn - its large, golden-yellow floribunda blooms and glossy green foliage will look wonderful wherever you decide to plant it.
- Perfect for growing in containers and small spaces, this robust, strong-growing rose is a real winner!
- Strong rose fragrance sets the blooms off beautifully.
- Supplied as freshly potted, British grown, professional quality plants.
Last update on 2021-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
