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Gardening in Oz

Climbing plant that flowers for shade area?

19 years ago

Hi, I'm after a fast growing climber with flowers (preferrably pink, blue or purple). I want to grow it up the poles on our front porch. The area gets about and hours sun in the morning, and about the same of an afternoon. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

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Comments (4)

User
19 years ago
You could try this beautiful Aussie climber Pandorea jasminoides it prefers the Sun though will take a little shade.

Also Hardenbergia violacea it has a purple flower that one will take a little shade also, remembering lots of plants do not flower if they don't get enough Sun.
If I knew what State you lived in I could probably suggest more especially if you live in the warmer areas.
katiezub
19 years ago
I second the recommendation of Pandorea Jasminoides.

I have the white flowering variety in a half shaded area.
It grew amazingly quickly and has lovely glossy green leaves.

It flowers more heavily in the sun admittedly.
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Gillmank, I love your side porch. I remember when I was on such a tight budget that $3 for a gallon shrub was an extravagance. I began to learn what plants could be divided, like Hostas. And which ones could root easily from 'starts' (also called 'slips'), like Salvias. You probably want a plant that will max out at 5' (for the privacy). Generally a shrub that grows to 5' tall will also grow 5' wide. And most shrubs that stay that short are dwarfs. Rosemary looks like a short shrub and may work in your zone. Your porch will give protection. It is also easy to root a piece for a new plant! Which means if a friend has it no need to buy. Go to a nursery with pencil and paper. Tell them the max. growth size you want, that it is a bright area with no direct sun. Write down the names they suggest. And ask if it is a slow grower or fast. Beware of fast. If you need evergreen let them know that. Put a star beside the names whose looks you like. Then come home and look them up on the internet or ask on a forum. I check our big box store's garden area regularly. 2 years ago they got a shipment of clematis vines. Much cheaper than the nursery. Plus one I wanted. Good luck. PS: if you don't eat those pumpkins be sure to bury them for compost! PPS: I do agree with the information given. Those sweet looking plants will become unreasonably large for your delightful bed.
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alisonoz_gw
19 years ago
Pandoreas are very versatile as the others posted.
But most flowerers do better with more sun than shade.
If you were "into" white I'd suggest Stephanotis as it will take a fair bit of shade, though it's slow-growing.
The trouble with asking for a "fast-growing" climber is that it will probably grow so fast it will be off the posts and over the top of your roof. Some vines are very vigorous.
Would you be prepared to try some annuals while you establish other plants - if so I could suggest a couple.
Otherwise, do they have to be evergreen? Clitoria ternatea is a quite pretty little vine with blue flowers (a single form and a double deeper blue form) but it goes dormant in winter. Of course some plants, as they flower, also SEED!!! so there's a bonus or a drawback.
Oh snail-vine, Vigna the pinky perfumed one, that can be pinched out a bit.
Mandevillas would be my first choice for a front porch poles but really need more light I think than you are offering.
Jennie60
18 years ago
Try the good old potato vine - ours is a Monet, with mauve flowers. It grows quickly, but because it's a soft vine it's easily controlled, and very pretty

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