Looking for a climbing plant to brighten a shady spot in the garden? Whether you grow them on a wall, fence or pergola - or even in containers - these shade-loving climbers are guaranteed to revitalise your outdoor space.
Climbers grown by specialists at the height of their game
What does it take to grow the strongest and best climbing plants in the show tent? Organic fertilisers, natural pest control and years of dedication from Mollie, our expert grower in Worcestershire. Professionally pruned and checked by hand, they’re guaranteed to put on a gold standard display in your garden, too.
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Why choose shade-tolerant climbing plants?
While many of us would like a sunny, south-facing garden, they’re not always forthcoming. Instead, many of us have outdoor spaces that find themselves part-shaded, receiving some sun, but not enough for certain sun-loving plants to thrive. If you have a pergola, wall or arbour you want covering, but find your garden’s more cloud-kissed than sun-touched, then climbers tolerant of shade are your best friend. Certain climbers are naturally well-suited to dappled shade; honeysuckles, for instance, are woodland plants and therefore accustomed to patchier light.
What are our favourite climbing plants for shade?
There are so many great shade-tolerant climbers out there that it’s hard to whittle down the options. However, we’ve tried! With its RHS Award of Garden Merit and fabulous flaxen flowers, Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ (Hall’s Japanese honeysuckle) is undoubtedly among, not only the best shade-tolerant climbers, but among the best climbers full stop. Star jasmine is another, well, star performer. Boasting fragrant pinwheel flowers and lush evergreen foliage, this plant is perfect for adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your outdoor space. Finally, we’re going to go for a foliage plant in the form of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper). Easily clothing a bare wall, this vigorous plant provides an absolute riot of autumn colour.
Caring for shady climbers
Most shade-tolerant climbers like to be planted in moist but well-drained soil. An application of fertiliser at the start of spring can help encourage better blooms. A layer of mulch can also be helpful with weed suppression and moisture retention. Watering should be routine when your plants are establishing, particularly during hot, dry spells. If you’re growing your climber(s) in a pot, then more regular watering will be required. Hardy clematis species such as Clematis alpina and Clematis viticella that don’t mind a bit of sun benefit from having their roots kept shaded using other plants or some gravel.
