Looking for a climbing plant to brighten up a shady spot in the garden? These shade-loving climbers will make your outdoor space look great whether you grow them on a wall, fence, pergola, or even in pots.
What does it take for Mollie, our expert grower in Worcestershire, to grow the strongest and best climbing plants in the show tent? Years of hard work, organic fertilizers, and natural forms of pest control. Since they are pruned and checked by hand by professionals, you can be sure that they will look great in your garden.
Growing climbing plants in pots is an excellent way to add vertical interest to any outdoor space. Their vining stems and lush foliage can soften hard edges and liven up bare walls However, many popular climbers like clematis and honeysuckle need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day So what should you plant if your porch, patio or balcony only gets dappled sunlight?
Not to worry there are still plenty of options! Here are 9 of the best climbing plants that can thrive in pots and shady spots
1. Clematis
Clematis are prized for their colorful, ornate flowers. While most prefer sun, a few cultivars are perfect for partial shade. Try planting the white-flowered ‘Henryi’ or ‘Mrs. Robert Brydon’, which blooms in pale pink. Give them a trellis to climb and watch them take off!
2. Honeysuckle
Sweetly fragrant honeysuckle blossoms are a classic sign of summer. Some species like Japanese honeysuckle can handle shade well. For pots, choose a non-vining type like ‘Goldflame’ or ‘Major Wheeler’ and enjoy their bright colors and delicious scent from your patio.
3. Passion Flower
Exotic passion flowers will give your container garden a tropical vibe. The aptly named ‘Incense’ variety thrives in shade and pots at least 12 inches wide. Make sure to provide a strong trellis for support once the fast-growing vines get going!
4. Climbing Roses
Rose lovers can still grow these iconic blooms in shady spots! Opt for climbing varieties bred specifically for partial shade like ‘Awakening’, ‘Willow’ and the nostalgic ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. Give them a trellis to show off their repeat flowering blooms
5. Ivy
No list of climbers would be complete without ivy! English ivy is a hardy classic that needs little light to spread lush greenery. Try variegated ‘Glacier’ for white-edged leaves or ‘Shamrock’ which has unique star-shaped foliage. Remember, ivy can spread fast so prune as needed.
6. Virginia Creeper
Another vigorous grower, Virginia creeper boasts beautiful red fall foliage. Plant in a large pot with a trellis, and it will quickly cover the whole thing with its five-pointed leaves. The native ‘Engelmannii’ tolerates shade better than most.
7. Trumpet Vine
Also called trumpet creeper, this plant is ideal for a big pot in a partly shaded spot. Plant trumpet vine for its abundant orange-red blooms that hummingbirds adore. Grow the less aggressive ‘Madame Galen’ variety and keep pruning it in check.
8. Climbing Hydrangea
For flowers, foliage and shade tolerance, look no further than climbing hydrangea! Plant this woody vine in a large pot and watch it grow up to 40 feet. The white lacecap blooms are gorgeous against the glossy green leaves. Prune after flowering to control the size.
9. Mandevilla
Lastly, pot up a Mandevilla vine for a touch of the tropics! Called Chilean jasmine, its stunning flowers come in shades of pink, red, white and more. Many varieties like the pink-flowered ‘Alice DuPont’ thrive in part sun. Just be sure to water regularly.
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Looking for a climbing plant to brighten up a shady spot in the garden? These shade-loving climbers will make your outdoor space look great whether you grow them on a wall, fence, pergola, or even in pots.
Climbers grown by specialists at the height of their game
What does it take for Mollie, our expert grower in Worcestershire, to grow the strongest and best climbing plants in the show tent? Years of hard work, organic fertilizers, and natural forms of pest control. Since they are pruned and checked by hand by professionals, you can be sure that they will look great in your garden.
35 Best Vines for Containers | Climbing Plants for Pots
FAQ
Is there a climbing plant that grows in shade?
What potted plant grows well in shade?
What is the fastest growing creeper in shade?
What are the best climbing plants for shade?
Star jasmine is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates pruning well and can be shaped as desired, making it a go-to choice in your search for the best climbing plants for shade. 4. Climbing rose
What plants grow best in shade?
Vines that love to thrive in the shade can brighten up the gloomy-looking north or east-facing parts of your garden. Here are some of the best Flowering Vines for Shade that you can easily grow! 1. Roses 2. Sweet Autumn Clematis 3. Sausage Vine 4. Climbing Hydrangea 5. Wisteria 6. Dutch Honeysuckle 7. Confederate Jasmine 8. Bleeding Heart 9.
Do flowering vines & climbing plants grow in shade?
Some flowering vines and climbing plants are fast-growing plants that do double duty by creating even more shade! Shade-loving vines and climbing plants are perfect for the north or east sides of structures, particularly in hot zones. Like most plants, abundant flowers and fall color are often improved in sunny spots.
Can climbing plants grow in shade?
Climbing plants are beautiful, no doubt about that. Most species are known to flourish in full sun, however, so growing them in shady landscapes or homes can lead to more dead plants than I’d like to admit. The good news? You still have plenty of shade-tolerant options! The 15 best climbing plants that can tolerate shade are:
Can climbers grow in pots?
In a paved alleyway or a patio, for example, you’ll have to rely on pots. If you’re growing a climbing plant up a fence, wall, or trellis with soil beneath it, you can plant the climbers right into the ground. This will let them grow larger than from a pot, so make sure you take this into account.
What is a good plant for a container garden?
It is a perennial vine hardy in frost free regions that requires a sunny place and a trellis to climb on. Black-eyed Susan is ideal if you want colorful flowers and privacy in your container garden. 17. Dutchman’s Pipe Botanical Name: Aristolochia durior If you are looking for an unusual plant for your container garden, plant the Dutchman’s pipe.