Climbers for Shady Walls and Fences
If you have a shady wall or fence that faces north or east, don’t despair! There are plenty of climbers that will thrive in these conditions. In fact, with the right plants, you can easily transform a dull and dreary space into a lush and inviting oasis.
Climbers for North-Facing Walls
North-facing walls receive very little direct sunlight, so it’s important to choose climbers that are tolerant of shade. Some good options include:
- Ivy: Ivy is a classic choice for shady walls, and for good reason. It’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and evergreen.
- Honeysuckle: Honeysuckles are another great option for shady walls. They offer beautiful flowers and a sweet fragrance.
- Star jasmine: Star jasmine is a fast-growing climber with fragrant white flowers. It’s happy in partial shade, but will bloom best with some sun.
- Clematis viticella: Viticella clematis are tough climbers that can tolerate a fair amount of shade. They produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors.
- Chinese Virginia creeper: Chinese Virginia creeper is a fast-growing climber with attractive foliage that turns a vibrant crimson in the fall.
Climbers for East-Facing Fences
East-facing fences receive more sunlight than north-facing walls, but they can still be quite shady, especially in the afternoon. Some good climbers for east-facing fences include:
- Rosa ‘Wedding Day’: This fast-growing rambler rose is perfect for covering a house wall or boundary in partial shade.
- Ivy: Ivy is also a good choice for east-facing fences. It will tolerate full shade, but will grow and bloom best with some sun.
- Honeysuckle: Honeysuckles are another good option for east-facing fences. They offer beautiful flowers and a sweet fragrance, and they will bloom best with some sun.
- Clematis alpina: Clematis alpina is a dainty climber that tolerates a fair degree of shade. It produces graceful spring flowers.
- Clematis x durandii: Clematis x durandii is a shrubby clematis with indigo blooms that bloom all summer. It likes shade for some of the day, so it’s a good choice for east-facing fences.
Tips for Choosing Climbers for Shady Walls and Fences
When choosing climbers for shady walls and fences, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Some climbers can tolerate full shade, while others need at least some sun to bloom.
- Choose climbers that are appropriate for the size of the area. Some climbers can grow quite large, so it’s important to choose a variety that will fit the space you have available.
- Think about the desired effect. Do you want a climber that will provide privacy, screening, or color? There are climbers available to suit all needs.
With a little planning, you can easily find the perfect climbers to transform your shady wall or fence into a beautiful and inviting space.
