Vines for Shade—Vines That Grow Well in Shade

Boston Ivy

This Ivy had two fold appeal. It is beautiful when it blooms red in autumn and equally as pretty in summer when it is a brilliant green. This ivy is aptly named because of the colleges in Boston called “Ivy League” Schools have this on their older walls. Be sure though that wherever you put them you'll want them to stay. It is an aggressive and sticky vine that will bore its way into the wall. Removing it on a whim is not possible or at the very best extremely hard and it may take some of the structure with it if you try. This is why walls that are 100 + years old don't have people trying to remove it.

Climbing Hydrangea

This is one of the most valuable in a landscaper's business. It is so hard to find a nice bloom on a vine that is great with the shade and this one is the best there is.

Chinese Wisteria

Chinese Wisteria is a recommended vine for shade and the blooms are amazing. But there are a few points to share to ensure your success. They are an invasive vine, which can go to your advantage. This means they sprawl out and stretch to try and find a little sunshine. So, you can get creative with where you put them.

You can really make a beautiful show out of these. Simply place the part where you want blooms more towards the sun and the part you only want vine more towards the shade.

Clematis

This is also a great flowering vine that does pretty well still in the shade. It has multitudes of blooms and nice uneven vines. However just be warned that it is an aggressive vine and will seek shade and sun both. It is fickle like that. The seeds get spread everywhere so if it is going to be in a place that you don't prefer other clematis to grow, then don't grow it because it will multiply and quickly.

Trumpet Vine

This is another one of the great vines for shade but like the clematis just make sure it is in a place you don't mind having more as it is an aggressive multiplier. It blooms gorgeous orange flowers in the shape of a trumpet and makes an earthy addition to any garden.

Five Leaf Akebia

This is a hardy vine whose vine has finger like projection that make it look like a human hand. It is great in shade or in sun but grows more profusely in the shade. You can keep it low to the ground as in a bush or conversely you may grow it as a tree up to 40 feet with the right care.

Dutchman's Pipe

This is a strange one. Technically they may flower but not every year and maybe not at all. If you do catch them doing it then the blooms would be tiny and hidden under the foliage. This is sold as a non-flowering vine. They grow nice and full and can grow high to low with a waterfall cascade.

Variegated Porcelain Vine

This is one of the most attractive vines for shade. It has nice green leaves that are variegated with pink and white. The berries are a porcelain blue color and grow in abundance. If you happen to have a warm summer then you will see more berries. It will need the support of some wire or even a trellis to support it. The vine does not send runners and grows from the original trunk.

Grape Vine

This is one vine for shade that a lot of people are afraid to try but why not? It doesn't bloom but you may get a grape bunch or two depending on the climate. If beautiful foliag is all you want, they go for it. This is something that is certainly an aggressive climber and it uses tendrils which grasp onto anything you put it on so make sure it is somewhere you want it to stay. Choose the grape vine types are grow well in shade.

Arctic Kiwi

Now even the name will tell you it makes a great vine for shade and the cold too! No blooms but the leaves are an awe inspiring shade of pink and green. There are no blossoms but the color is uneven and imperfect just like nature is supposed to be so you get a surprise in every bit of foliage. In certain climates only does it yield a tasty fruit which is akin to the regular Kiwi.