Perennial vine for shady area

9 years ago

I have this one area of my backyard that remains to be worked. All other parts of my garden have been amended from the play-doh like soil to a rather nice mix now.

But I feel like my back is broken and I walk like my knees don't bend.

So, looking at this one area where it's hard as a rock....I'm hesitant to start amending there if nothing pretty will grow. I'm more inclined to just slay down bricks and call it a day, haha.

It's the northern end of a west facing yard...and really, the sunlight reaches JUST to the far left of this photo for only a couple of hours and then it's done. That said, my yard is pretty bright all day and downright unbearable in the late afternoon....except this little corner.

If something will grow, I'd like to cover that ugly fence with the chicken wire that was put there to keep the neighbor's crazy vines from coming through. I'm guessing only a vine like plant will do that but can anything grow without any direct sunlight? Between the house and a huge balcony up top, the ridiculously deciduous neighbor trees (is that birch?) and a substantial orange tree blocking the western or high noon sun from this part, it really doesn't get any sun. Just three feet in, the sun shines and bakes in the afternoon.

Granted, I have no idea how it will be come summer sun. I can't figure out how high or where the sun will be when the days are longer to save my life.

I'd really like something with flowers. Everything there is so dark and green.

Any ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
Take a look at holboellia or stauntonia. both will grow on north walls and there are some interesting species. Also schisandra is another interesting climber which will grow in a degree of shade.
arbo_retum
9 years ago
With that neat dark green background, i would suggest looking into 2; both grow for me w/ no sun :
Ampelopsis variegata- green and white variegated grape-like foliage; coolest turquoise, purple and blue berries in fall.

Schizophragma hydrangeoides Moonlight- takes 7 years to bloom; then it's one of your fav things in the garden.Ethereal. Subtle silver veining variegation. Just keep it well watered.

mindy
Related Professionals
Londonderry Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Panama City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Port Royal Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Seabrook Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wareham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Tempe Landscape Contractors · Arlington Landscape Contractors · Barrington Landscape Contractors · Fort Myers Landscape Contractors · Fridley Landscape Contractors · Glendale Heights Landscape Contractors · New Cassel Landscape Contractors · Tinton Falls Landscape Contractors · West Haverstraw Landscape Contractors · West Orange Landscape Contractors
arbo_retum
9 years ago
also

http://www.waysidegardens.com/rose-sensation-false-climbing-hydrangea/p/31171/
Sugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
Original Author
9 years ago
Campanula & Arbo - thanks so much for the suggestions. I spent some time looking them up today -- so pretty.

I already ordered the Schizophragma hydrangeoides Moonlight just now (from Monrovia -- plant) and am now going to look for the Stauntonia. I think the two together will look fabulous!

Technically, I have another partial shade and then full blast late afternoon sun spot on a lower level -- completely untouched and empty right now. I think both of these would do really well there, too. Hmm!

Thank you!
arbo_retum
9 years ago
sugi, great! hope you enjoy; you just have to be patient!
Sugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
Original Author
9 years ago
I'd have better luck finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow that finding stauntonia on this continent. LOL

Arbo -- the seven years almost turned me off, but...looking at the photos, if/when it does bloom, it's stunning. I want that!

Of course in that many years, I very well could've moved to Hawaii...but I'll be happy knowing it's blooming for the next folks.

And who knows? Maybe the plants I got are six year olds in tiny little pots, haha.

Grace
User
9 years ago
Ah, that is unfortunate. I did look for stauntonia hexaphylla and saw that ForestFarms.com did carry it (currently out of stock) but you might try it's near relative akebia quinata...but try to find the lovely pale flowered one. It should remain evergreen for you and may even fruit (edible).
Or seeds are more easily available (Chilterns amongst others will ship to the US) and I think Plantworld also carries it.