Climbing Plants That Tolerate Shade

Not all features that need covering up in the landscape are in full sun. Many are in partial to deep shade. These spots require vining plants that grow well under shady conditions. Many flowering vines grow well in partial shade and some tolerate full shade.

Trumpet Honeysuckle

A perennial vine with orange-scarlet flowers with yellow interiors, trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) grows in either sun or shade. Honeysuckle produces an abundance of flowers from spring through summer. It does not become invasive like Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica). Honeysuckle attaches itself to its support with twining stems.

Firecracker Vine

A tender perennial grown as an annual, firecracker vine (Mina lobata, Ipomoea lobata) is a flowering vine that twines around its lattice support. It grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet and prefers partial shade to full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Its unusual flowers begin reddish-orange and fade to orange, yellow and white. Scarify the seeds and soak for 24 hours prior to planting to increase germination rates and success.

Swamp Jasmine

A tender evergreen vine rapidly growing 10 to 20 feet high, swamp jasmine (Gelsemium rankii) grows equally well in sun or shade. It produces unscented yellow flowers in spring and fall and is hardy in USDA zones 7 and 8.