15 Climbing Plants That Provide Shade For Your Garden

The Importance Of Shade In Your Garden

The summer heat can be brutal, and sometimes the only relief is to find a shady spot to relax in. But what if your garden doesn't have any natural shade? The solution is to plant climbers that will provide shade for you and your plants. Not only do these plants offer a respite from the sun, but they also add beauty and interest to your garden. Here are 15 climbing plants that can provide shade for your garden.

1. Wisteria

Description:

Wisteria is a beautiful vine that produces long clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Its leaves are compound and can range in color from green to yellow.

How To Grow:

Wisteria needs full sun to grow well, but it can also tolerate some shade. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You'll need to provide a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, for the plant to climb on.

2. Trumpet Vine

Description:

Trumpet vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is a fast-growing vine that produces bright orange-red flowers in the summer. Its leaves are dark green and can be up to 6 inches long.

How To Grow:

Trumpet vine prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It needs well-drained soil and regular watering. Provide a sturdy support structure for the plant to climb on, such as a trellis or fence.

3. Climbing Hydrangea

Description:

Climbing hydrangea is a deciduous vine that produces large clusters of white flowers in the summer. Its leaves are dark green and heart-shaped.

How To Grow:

Climbing hydrangea prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It can take several years to establish itself, but once it does, it will grow rapidly. Provide a sturdy support structure for the plant to climb on, such as a trellis or pergola.

4. Virginia Creeper

Description:

Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine that produces small green flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. Its leaves are compound and can range in color from green to red.

How To Grow:

Virginia creeper prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It doesn't need a support structure to climb on, as it will attach itself to walls, trees, or other structures using adhesive pads.

5. Japanese Honeysuckle

Description:

Japanese honeysuckle is a twining vine that produces fragrant white or yellow flowers in the summer. Its leaves are dark green and oval-shaped.

How To Grow:

Japanese honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to prune it regularly to keep it from becoming invasive.

6. Passionflower

Description:

Passionflower is a beautiful vine that produces exotic-looking purple or blue flowers in the summer. Its leaves are dark green and deeply lobed.

How To Grow:

Passionflower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or pergola. Be sure to protect it from frost in the winter.

7. Climbing Roses

Description:

Climbing roses are a classic garden plant that produces fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Their leaves can be dark green or blue-green.

How To Grow:

Climbing roses prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They need a sturdy support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or pergola. Be sure to prune them regularly to encourage blooming.

8. Clematis

Description:

Clematis is a popular vine that produces showy flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, or white. Its leaves are dark green and can be up to 6 inches long.

How To Grow:

Clematis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to keep its roots cool by planting other plants around the base of the vine.

9. Ivy

Description:

Ivy is a versatile vine that can be grown in sun or shade. It produces small green flowers in the fall and berries in the winter. Its leaves are dark green and can be either lobed or unlobed.

How To Grow:

Ivy can be grown in full sun to full shade and well-drained soil. It doesn't need a support structure to climb on, as it will attach itself to walls or other structures using adhesive pads.

10. Kiwi

Description:

Kiwi is a fast-growing vine that produces edible fruits in the fall. Its leaves are dark green and heart-shaped.

How To Grow:

Kiwi prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a sturdy support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or pergola. Be sure to provide plenty of water during the growing season.

11. Chocolate Vine

Description:

Chocolate vine, also known as Akebia quinata, is a twining vine that produces fragrant purple flowers in the spring. Its leaves are dark green and can be up to 4 inches long.

How To Grow:

Chocolate vine prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to prune it regularly to keep it from becoming invasive.

12. Climbing Fig

Description:

Climbing fig, also known as Ficus pumila, is a fast-growing vine that produces small green flowers in the summer. Its leaves are small and dark green.

How To Grow:

Climbing fig prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or wall. Be sure to prune it regularly to keep it under control.

13. Trumpet Honeysuckle

Description:

Trumpet honeysuckle is a twining vine that produces clusters of tubular red or orange flowers in the summer. Its leaves are dark green and can be up to 3 inches long.

How To Grow:

Trumpet honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to prune it regularly to encourage blooming.

14. Black-eyed Susan Vine

Description:

Black-eyed Susan vine, also known as Thunbergia alata, is a fast-growing vine that produces yellow, orange, or white flowers with dark centers. Its leaves are dark green and heart-shaped.

How To Grow:

Black-eyed Susan vine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to deadhead it regularly to encourage blooming.

15. Sweet Pea

Description:

Sweet pea is an annual vine that produces fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Its leaves are bright green and can be up to 4 inches long.

How To Grow:

Sweet pea prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It needs a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. Be sure to provide plenty of water during the growing season.

Adding climbers to your garden not only provides shade but also adds beauty and interest. With so many different climbing plants to choose from, you're sure to find one that suits your garden's needs. Just remember to provide a sturdy support structure for the plant to climb on, and to prune it regularly to keep it under control.

FAQs

1. Do climbers need full sun to grow?

Most climbers prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade.

2. What kind of support structure do I need for my climbing plant?

It depends on the plant. Some plants, like ivy and Virginia creeper, don't need a support structure because they attach themselves to walls or other structures using adhesive pads. Others, like wisteria and clematis, need a sturdy support structure like a trellis or pergola.

3. How often should I prune my climbing plant?

It depends on the plant. Some plants, like wisteria and trumpet vine, need to be pruned several times a year to keep them under control. Others, like ivy and Virginia creeper, can be left unpruned.

4. Can climbers be grown in containers?

Yes, some climbers can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.

5. Are all climbers invasive?

No, not all climbers are invasive. However, some, like Japanese honeysuckle and chocolate vine, can become invasive if not pruned regularly.