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Cheltenham
Meet Mollie
Climbers grown by specialists at the height of their game
What does it take to grow the strongest and best climbing plants in the show tent? Organic fertilisers, natural pest control and years of dedication from Mollie, our expert grower in Worcestershire. Professionally pruned and checked by hand, they’re guaranteed to put on a gold standard display in your garden, too.
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Why choose shade-tolerant climbing plants?
While many of us would like a sunny, south-facing garden, they’re not always forthcoming. Instead, many of us have outdoor spaces that find themselves part-shaded, receiving some sun, but not enough for certain sun-loving plants to thrive. If you have a pergola, wall or arbour you want covering, but find your garden’s more cloud-kissed than sun-touched, then climbers tolerant of shade are your best friend. Certain climbers are naturally well-suited to dappled shade; honeysuckles, for instance, are woodland plants and therefore accustomed to patchier light.
What are our favourite climbing plants for shade?
There are so many great shade-tolerant climbers out there that it’s hard to whittle down the options. However, we’ve tried! With its RHS Award of Garden Merit and fabulous flaxen flowers, Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ (Hall’s Japanese honeysuckle) is undoubtedly among, not only the best shade-tolerant climbers, but among the best climbers full stop. Star jasmine is another, well, star performer. Boasting fragrant pinwheel flowers and lush evergreen foliage, this plant is perfect for adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your outdoor space. Finally, we’re going to go for a foliage plant in the form of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper). Easily clothing a bare wall, this vigorous plant provides an absolute riot of autumn colour.
Caring for shady climbers
Most shade-tolerant climbers like to be planted in moist but well-drained soil. An application of fertiliser at the start of spring can help encourage better blooms. A layer of mulch can also be helpful with weed suppression and moisture retention. Watering should be routine when your plants are establishing, particularly during hot, dry spells. If you’re growing your climber(s) in a pot, then more regular watering will be required. Hardy clematis species such as Clematis alpina and Clematis viticella that don’t mind a bit of sun benefit from having their roots kept shaded using other plants or some gravel.
Climbing Plants for Shade FAQs
Which climbers grow well in shade?
While few climbers love being dark all the time, there are certainly those that can still flourish while growing in partial or dappled shade, with some plants, like ivy, able to withstand a fully shaded position. Honeysuckle generally doesn’t mind a bit of shade, and it’s not uncommon to see (or smell) these lovely plants growing in woodlands. Clematis varieties also tend to like to have their roots shaded with their vines in the sun. From a foliage perspective, Virginia creeper also grows nicely in shade, with the best autumn colour occurring when planted in partial shade.
Do climbers growing in shade have specific requirements?
Climbing plants for shade generally have similar requirements to those grown in sun, at least in terms of soil type, moist but well-drained being the preferred choice. If your soil is poor and heavy, consider amending with some well-rotted manure or organic compost. Unsure on which soil you have? Check out our guide.
Do climbers grown in shade need less watering?
If you grow a climbing plant in shade, it’ll usually need less water than one grown in sunshine. The reason is simple: the soil doesn’t dry out as quickly as it does when being baked by sunshine. You’ll still need to water your plants during dry spells and to help newer plants establish, and a good rule of thumb is to give your plant a watering if the top inch or so of soil is dry. Also, conversely, watch out for any rain shadow effect which might lead to drier soil, even in shade. Do climbing plants for shade need support?
Are there any climbing plants that don’t grow well in shade?
Some climbing plants like to be in full sun and full sun only. Grape vines, for instance, and wisteria both like to be grown in full sun, with respective fruit and flower production at its most maximal when given at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Plants arrived in great condition and very promptly. Well established - much better than the ones I got at my local garden centre.
Monica Spence
| 24 May
Yet again this company delivered good healthy plants, exactly as shown in photos, well packaged and within delivery time quoted. Recommend!
Jacqueline Burgess
| 2 Jun
I continue to be so impressed with Roots. Their customer care, knowledge of their subject: from planting hedges to pruning roses and more, has been a great support.
Judy Lane
| 23 Oct
The plant arrived looking vigorously healthy, which brings a smile to your face, extremely well protected in its packaging.
Martyn Hill
| 5 Jul
As a non-gardener, I found my whole experience brilliant. Great information & advice available on the website, great range of products & prices are brilliant.
John-Paul
| 22 May
Wonderful plants and great customer service... really surprised to find that the plants are better than those you would get at your local garden centre.
Gavin Wilcock
| 8 Nov
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