Will Clematis Grow in Shade? Selecting the Best Shade-Loving Varieties

With their stunning blooms climbing up trellises and fences, clematis are a favorite vine for many gardeners. But many mistakenly believe that clematis require full sun to thrive. The truth is that with the right variety selection, clematis can indeed grow successfully in shade.

Certain clematis cultivars are more shade-tolerant than others. By choosing appropriate clematis types and providing proper care, you can enjoy beautiful clematis flowers even in low light areas.

How Much Shade Can Clematis Tolerate?

Most clematis prefer at least some direct sunlight, especially in the morning when dew evaporates. However, many varieties can perform well in part shade locations that receive about 4-6 hours of sun daily. Filtered or dappled sunlight works well.

Very few clematis can bloom profusely in dense, full shade such as under a dense tree canopy. Deep shade prevents the vigorous growth clematis require to flower abundantly. But areas with some morning sun or bright reflected light can support good clematis growth.

So when assessing your planting site, choose spots that get some direct sun, even if briefly East or west-facing walls work better than north And take note of any reflective surfaces that may bathe the area in bright indirect light for part of the day.

Best Clematis Varieties for Growing in Shade

While most clematis thrive best in full sun, the species and hybrids below are better adapted to partial shade or dappled sunlight conditions:

• Clematis alpina – Delicate blue bells appear in spring on this compact vine Prune after flowering

• Clematis macropetala – Nodding blue blooms in late spring. Hardy and shade tolerant.

• Clematis montana – Vigorous vine with masses of sweetly scented flowers in pink, white or purple. Blooms early spring.

• Clematis armandii – Features fragrant white spring flowers. Evergreen foliage offers year-round interest.

• Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’ – Large, rich purple blooms from early summer onward. Handles part shade well.

• Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ – Showy pink blooms with contrasting red bars. Reliable large-flowered hybrid.

• Clematis viticella ‘Etoile Violette’ – Velvety purple flowers throughout summer. Grows in part shade.

• Clematis terniflora – Sweetly scented white flowers in late summer and fall. Tolerates shade.

• Clematis texensis hybrids – Red or pink blooms spring to fall depending on type. Handle some shade.

The key is looking for clematis types labeled as shade tolerant on plant tags or descriptions. Talk to your local nursery for varieties that perform well in shady areas in your climate.

Growing Clematis in Shade – Care Tips

To help your shade-loving clematis thrive:

• Plant crowns 2-3 inches deeper to keep roots cool. Add pea gravel beneath for drainage.

• Water regularly during first year to establish deep roots. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.

• Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.

• Prune immediately after bloom period ends to encourage new growth.

• Provide sturdy support for vines to climb on.

• Use organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

• Protect clematis with burlap or frost blankets in cold winter climates.

With proper selection and care, many clematis vines will flourish in partially shaded garden locations. Avoid trying to grow sun-loving varieties like Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ or Clematis ‘Roguchi’ in too much shade however, as this will result in sparse blooms.

But the varieties listed above can produce an abundant display of colorful flowers in sites with just 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. With their versatility for filtered light, these exceptional clematis ensure you can enjoy gorgeous blooms even in troublesome shady spots.

More Shade-Loving Vines

If clematis don’t quite suit your needs, consider these other vines that tolerate partial shade or dappled sun areas:

• Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) – Lacy white blooms, glossy foliage

• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – Red fall foliage, bluish berries

• Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) – Orange trumpet-shaped flowers, evergreen in warm climates

• Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – Red tubular blooms, attractive foliage

• Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) – Evergreen vine, attractive berries

• Silvervein Creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) – Blueish berries, scarlet fall color

• Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia durior) – Giant heart-shaped leaves for screening

Mixing a shade tolerant clematis with other vines can give you season-long interest in your shady planting area. With the right plant choices, you’ll soon have a beautiful living wall even in low light.

Best Uses for Shade Loving Clematis

Clematis that thrive in shade offer unique opportunities to add color, texture, privacy, and architecture to shaded areas around your home. Consider using shade-adapted clematis in these ways:

• Grow up shady arbors or trellises to create a floral ceiling overhead.

• Provide vertical interest on blank north-facing walls or fences.

• Scramble through shrubs and trees to add a vertical dimension.

• Use as groundcover instead of turf grass in shady areas.

• Add striking color against darker foliage of evergreen shrubs.

• Grow in pots on shaded balconies, patios, or porches.

• Concentrate clematis vines near seating areas to enjoy the flowers up close.

• Pair with hostas, ferns, and other shade perennials for texture contrast.

• Train along mailboxes, lamp posts, or fences to add charm.

Get creative with where you situate shade-loving clematis. Anywhere you need a burst of color or a plant that flowers in dappled sun areas, these varieties are an excellent option.

Combining Clematis with Other Shade Plants

Here are some favorite plant pairings that allow you to enjoy clematis along with other shade-loving plants:

• Grow Clematis montana ‘Tetrarose’ alongside hostas for contrasting shapes and textures. The emerging hosta leaves act as a perfect green backdrop for the clematis blooms.

• Plant the compact Clematis alpina with epimediums and hellebores for a medley of spring blooms.

• Let Clematis armandii scramble through a rhododendron to add vertical interest above the shrub’s flowers.

• Pair a dark-leaved clematis like Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’ with a variegated hosta like ‘Patriot’ for vivid contrast.

• Underplant the vining Clematis terniflora ‘Sweet Autumn’ with autumn crocus (Colchicum) for waves of fall flowers.

Mixing complimentary textures and colors allows you to create a tapestry effect with clematis and other shade-loving plants. Include foliage plants like ferns or Brunnera for different leaf shapes and variegation.

Clematis to Avoid in Heavy Shade

While some clematis happily bloom in partial shade, others will struggle and produce few, if any, flowers without sufficient sunlight. Varieties to avoid planting in deep shade include:

• Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ – The most popular large, violet-blue flowering clematis requires at least 6 hours of sun.

• Clematis ‘Roguchi’ – Prolific purple-blue blooms on this compact hybrid need full sun.

• Clematis ‘The President’ – Large, dark purple flowers thrive with 6-8 hours of sunlight.

• Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ – Often described as shade tolerant but flowers best with some sun.

• Clematis ‘Lasurstern’ – Bold blue flowers on this vine look best in full sun.

Check clematis tags and descriptions to confirm sunlight needs. If it doesn’t say “part shade” or give a sun range below 6 hours, full sun is best. Although clematis are adaptable vines, trying to grow sun-loving varieties in too much shade will result in sparse, weak blooms.

Enjoy Gorgeous Clematis Flowers in Shaded Areas

While clematis are best known as full sun plants, many varieties can flourish with only 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. By selecting shade-tolerant species and hybrids, even north-facing or lightly shaded areas can produce abundant clematis blooms. Focus on early spring and summer flowering types for best results.

With knowledge of the best clematis for shade and proper care focused on promoting growth, you can successfully grow clematis vines in sites without full sun. Do proper site assessment, choose appropriate vines, and tend carefully to reap spectacular rewards. Your shady areas will soon come alive with vivid clematis flowers.