Climbers for a shady wall or fence

Clematis armandii

If you are looking to cover a fence or wall with some climbers in a shady area here is a few questions from the GardenAdvice team

It would also be worth growing a clematis jackmanii through through these plants to create some colour as flowers later in the year. Click Here for more advice from a GardenAdvice advisor

There are several climbing plants that will grow on a shady wall or fence, including:

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix): This is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that can tolerate deep shade. It’s a good choice for covering large areas, and it will cling to walls and fences with its aerial roots.
2. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): This is another fast-growing, deciduous vine that can tolerate partial shade. It’s known for its autumn foliage, which turns a beautiful red colour.
3. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): This is a hardy, deciduous vine that can tolerate deep shade. It has attractive, dark green leaves and small, purple-blue berries in the fall.
4. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris): This is a deciduous vine that can tolerate partial shade and is known for its large, white flowers in the summer.
5. Clematis: There are many varieties of clematis that can tolerate partial shade, including Clematis armandii, Clematis alpina, and Clematis montana. These vines are known for their beautiful flowers, which come in a range of colours.
6. Garrya eliptica ‘James Roof’ ( Picture below ) although not strickly a climber its more of a wall shrub but still a good choice 

It’s important to note that the amount of shade a wall or fence receives can vary throughout the day and season, so it’s a good idea to observe the area carefully before selecting a climbing plant. You should also consider the location and the growing conditions, such as soil type and pH, to ensure that you choose a plant that is well-suited to your specific site

Several climbers are evergreens mentioned earlier, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine. This means it will keep its leaves throughout the year, providing year-round coverage and interest in your garden. English ivy is a fast-growing vine that can tolerate deep shade and will cling to walls and fences with its aerial roots. The only downside with ivy is that it can become invasive if not controlled with regular pruning.

The GardenAdvice team’s first choice tends to be clematis armandii  which is an evergreen clematis easy to control

Other evergreen climbing plants that could be suitable for a shady wall or fence include:

1. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): This is a deciduous vine that is known for its bright yellow flowers that appear in late winter or early spring. It can tolerate partial shade and is hardy in most climates.
2. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides): This is an evergreen vine that is native to Asia and is known for its fragrant, white flowers. It can tolerate partial shade and is hardy in most climates.
3. Honeysuckle (Lonicera): There are several varieties of honeysuckle that can tolerate partial shade, including Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) and Lonicera periclymenum (common honeysuckle). These vines are known for their fragrant flowers, which come in a range of colours.

Clematis armandii is an evergreen clematis easy to grow and grows in most conditions. Clematis armandii, also known as Armand clematis or evergreen clematis, is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that is native to China. It is known for its fragrant, white flowers that appear in the spring, and its glossy, dark green leaves.

In general, Clematis armandii grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 6.5 and 7.5). It also prefers full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate deeper shade. In shadier conditions, it may produce fewer flowers.

To ensure that your Clematis armandii is healthy and grows well, be sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells. It is a thirsty plant and may need watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Mulching around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil.

Clematis armandii can be prone to clematis wilt, a fungal disease that causes the plant’s leaves and stems to wilt and die. To prevent this, be sure to provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid over-watering or planting it in poorly-draining soil. Pruning the plant regularly can also help to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

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