Climbing Plants That Love the Shade

If you have a shady area in your garden, it can be difficult to find the right plants to grow there. Many plants require full sun to thrive, so finding plants that are well-suited to shade can be a challenge. However, there are many beautiful and hardy climbing plants that love the shade and can add a lot of interest and texture to a shady garden space.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best climbing plants for shade. We'll provide a brief description of each plant, as well as tips on how to care for them. We'll also share some design ideas and creative ways to use these plants in your garden. So let's get ed!

Best Climbing Plants for Shade

1. English Ivy

English ivy is a classic climbing plant that is well-suited to shady areas. This evergreen vine has dark green leaves that can climb walls or trellises, providing a lush backdrop for other plants. English ivy prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial or full shade.

How to Care for English Ivy

English ivy is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot weather. Prune the plant regularly to keep it from becoming too invasive.

2. Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea is a stunning vine that produces large clusters of white flowers in the summer. This plant does well in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Climbing hydrangea can be grown on walls, fences, or trellises, and looks great when paired with other shade-loving plants.

How to Care for Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea is a slow-growing plant that requires little maintenance. It is important to keep the soil moist, especially during hot weather. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size.

3. Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover a wall or trellis. This plant has green leaves that turn red in the fall, providing a beautiful backdrop for autumn flowers. Virginia creeper prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.

How to Care for Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant regularly to control its growth.

4. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber that produces vibrant orange-red flowers in the summer. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Trumpet vine can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or left to grow wild over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant regularly to control its size and shape.

5. Sweet Autumn Clematis

Sweet autumn clematis is a fragrant vine that produces an abundance of white flowers in the late summer and early fall. This plant prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Sweet autumn clematis can be grown on a trellis or fence, or left to climb over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Sweet Autumn Clematis

Sweet autumn clematis is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size.

6. Japanese Hydrangea Vine

Japanese hydrangea vine is a stunning plant that produces large clusters of pink or white flowers in the summer. This plant prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Japanese hydrangea vine can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or left to grow wild over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Japanese Hydrangea Vine

Japanese hydrangea vine is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size.

7. Chocolate Vine

Chocolate vine is a unique climbing plant that produces clusters of fragrant, chocolate-scented flowers in the spring. This plant prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Chocolate vine can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or left to grow wild over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Chocolate Vine

Chocolate vine is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant regularly to control its growth.

8. Climbing Roses

Climbing roses are a classic climbing plant that can add a lot of interest and beauty to a shady garden space. There are many different varieties of climbing roses, with flowers in a range of colors and sizes. Climbing roses prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Care for Climbing Roses

Climbing roses require more care than some of the other plants on this list. They need regular pruning to control their size and shape, and they also require regular watering and fertilization. However, the stunning blooms are well worth the effort!

9. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a fragrant vine that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the summer. This plant prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Honeysuckle can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or left to grow wild over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant regularly to control its growth.

10. Wisteria

Wisteria is a stunning climbing plant that produces cascades of fragrant purple or white flowers in the spring. This plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Wisteria can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or left to grow wild over a wall or pergola.

How to Care for Wisteria

Wisteria is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size.

Design Ideas and Creative Uses for Climbing Plants

Climbing plants can be used in a variety of creative ways to add interest, texture, and color to a garden space. Here are a few ideas:

1. Create a Vertical Garden

One creative way to use climbing plants is to create a vertical garden on a wall or fence. You can mix and match different types of climbing plants to create a lush and vibrant display.

2. Add Interest to a Pergola

If you have a pergola in your garden, consider growing climbing plants over it to add interest and shade. Wisteria and climbing roses are both great choices for this purpose.

3. Cover an Unsightly Wall

If you have an unsightly wall in your garden, consider growing a climbing plant over it to cover it up. Virginia creeper and English ivy are both great choices for this purpose.

4. Create a Natural Privacy Screen

If you want to create a natural privacy screen in your garden, consider growing a dense, climbing plant like honeysuckle or sweet autumn clematis over a trellis or fence.

5. Add Interest to a Tree

If you have a tree in your garden, consider growing a climbing plant around the trunk to add interest and texture. English ivy and Virginia creeper are both great choices for this purpose.

FAQs About Climbing Plants That Like Shade

Q: How do I train a climbing plant to grow up a wall?

A: To train a climbing plant to grow up a wall, you will need to attach it to the wall using a trellis, wire, or other support system. Be sure to training the plant when it is young, and prune it regularly to control its growth.

Q: How often should I water my climbing plants?

A: Most climbing plants prefer moist soil but don't like to be waterlogged. Water your plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot weather.

Q: Can climbing plants damage walls or fences?

A: Yes, some climbing plants can damage walls or fences if they are not properly supported. Be sure to use a trellis or other support system to prevent damage.

Q: Do climbing plants attract insects or pests?

A: Some climbing plants may attract insects or pests, but this will vary depending on the plant and your location. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of insect damage, and treat as needed.

Q: What are some other shade-loving plants that can be grown with climbing plants?

A: There are many other shade-loving plants that can be grown with climbing plants, including ferns, hostas, and astilbes. Be sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and complement each other visually.

Climbing plants are a great way to add interest, texture, and color to a shady garden space. Whether you prefer fragrant flowers, lush greenery, or vibrant colors, there is a climbing plant that will suit your needs. By choosing the right plants and providing them with the proper care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that will bring joy and beauty for years to come.