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North face: extreme shade and sun

17 years ago

I'm looking for a preferably evergreen vine to grow on a north facing fence. As the sun gets high in the sky in summer, this gets a long day of sun, but during other times of year it is shaded. I know clematis would work, but they seem picky. I want white, blue or purple flowers. I like the chilean jasmine (mandevilla) so far. It gets down to 20 F here sometimes. Also, would a rose work? I know it's not evergreen, but I'd be willing for a rose. Any suggestions? You guys always have great suggestions.

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Comments (7)

ARUM
17 years ago
Some folks object to Firethorn, because of the giant stickers, but the birds love, it's beautiful in summer AND winter, and did mention the birds love it? :) arum
eden
17 years ago
I have been looking for about three wks for vines that will work in full shade on the north side of the house. My brick looks so bare and needs some vertical interest. I have looked into roses, hyacinth bean, sweet pea-but (that would only last from April to May here as it gets to 90's with lots of humidity) jasmine, passiflora, purple bell vine, cup and saucer vine, and clematis. I can't deal with anything aggressive as I am somewhat handicapped and will not be able to continually pull out roots or seedlings nor can I continually prune it.
Do any of the above work in shade? Do you have other vines to suggest?
Or perhaps I should go a different route, something else that gives vertical interest. I want something that will give flowers. My brick is a medium gray brown.
My research is getting me no where.
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well ... hmmmm .... you are on the right track ... but working on the wrong variables ... i am going to come at it from another angle ... hosta are VERY HEAVY WATER USERS ... and they use the most water.. in the most heat .. which is why they struggle in the deep south ... they simply cant pump enough water to offset the loss ... and part of that is ... night temps.. they can cope better up here in MI because at night it cools considerably ... hosta actually sweat ... transpire ... in england.. which is above the 60th parallel.. or 2/3 of the way to the north pole.. they are ALL FULL SUN ... partly because the sun barely shines.. lol .. but also because of the declination of the sun.. the British are a pasty peeps.. because the sun is not as strong.. so the hosta can cope ... compare that to LA.. and you can see a stark difference. .. so.. hosta can grow in full sun .. hosta are only shade tolerant.. but the sun .. or conversely.. the shade is not really the issue.... its all about how effectively they can pump.. enough water. and if they have a recovery period to cope ... the fact that a hosta looks ratty in late summer.. is more a function of not enough water.. rather than too much light ... ken ps: zone.. which is.. in its simplest form.. MINIMUM WINTER TEMP ... has nothing to do with it .... pps: i have tons of wood hyacinths.. i dont know why you failed with those.. unless there are multiple plants under that common name ... ppps: hosta also have a requisite dormancy period.. and if you go too far south.. they dont get it ...
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Thanks, everyone. Looks like clematis is the winner, although I like the columbine and coneflower idea as well with a few pots intermixed. Also morning glories are one of my favorite flowers. I didn't realize butterfly bush would grow there, but thanks for that idea, david52; that would eliminate the need for trellises. digit, it is late afternoon in this photo; usual sun there is morning; I didn't even realize it gets a little afternoon sun. Does anyone have an idea for evergreens that could be interplanted near this north wall for some winter interest? I'll post some pix when we get it all done. Thanks again, everybody.
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ARUM
17 years ago
Well Poison Ivy grows anywhere, and it has lovely berries, and beautiful red leaves in the fall. No? Well, how about Ivy? There are all kinds, some with big shapely leaves, in various shades of green. Takes care of it'self. :) arum
wanda
17 years ago
Marystem, the viticella Clematis aren't as "picky" as the other types. They're resistant to wilt and pruning group 3, so you cut them all the way back every spring. Venosa Violacea is one of my favorite viticellas. Polish Spirit and Etoile Violette are 2 other common purple ones.
Check out Chalk Hill Clematis for pictures and info on different types of Clematis. Also Silver Star Vinery.
bossjim1
17 years ago
Marystem, you might like a Bower Vine (Pandorea jasminoides). It is evergreen and blooms continuously. Most are pink but there are some white ones.
Jim

Here is a link that might be useful: White Bower vine
bossjim1
17 years ago
Marystem, I forgot to say.. I am also in zone 9 and I have a pink one planted in the exact conditions you describe. It is in full hot sun in the summer, and receives practically no sun in the winter. It is growing and continuing to bloom even now. There hasn't been a week since it started blooming in June, that it hasn't had at least a few blooms.
Jim
marystem
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks everyone. I like the white bower vine, and wanda, you may have made me a clematis convert!

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