vines that grow in shade?

[FJ and G]

I finished laying track for a while; one track goes within several inches of the house under the deck where it stays fairly dark (but does get some afternoon light). I'd like to disguise the wall with plants. I'm thinking maybe ferns but possibly vines. Any ideas appreciated.

[rpc7271]

As a general rule when it comes to plants, especially vines, the smaller the leaves the more sunlingt it can take. Vines with large leaves generally grow in the shade and need more sunlight.

[altterrain]

Honeysuckles do well in shade in our area. Japanese honeysuckle (lonicera japonica) which has become an invasive weed and can be found in most of the woods around here. It is vigorous and evergreen but requires a structure to grow up.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a nice native that will scamper up a wall on its own. Downsides are it is deciduous and is a magnet for japanese beetles. 

English ivy is another option. Just be warned once it hits a height of about 6 feet in undergoes a morphologic change and becomes a house eating monster.

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala/petiolaris) is very pretty but I've never had any luck with it. It is not terrible drought toloerant. It also slow growing and deciduous.

Climbing Hydrangea Vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) is similar to above but more vigorous.

Another option is an espaliered shrub like Camellia x 'snow flurry'. It's quite vigorous and a great fall bloomer.

 

 

 -Brian

 

 

[pimanjc]

I have had good results with English Ivy.

JimC.

[FJ and G]

thanks!

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Just bear in mind that where you find honeysuckle, you will usually also find briars and poison ivy!     Honeysuckle does indeed smell good, I like it.   I threw some about 20 feet into the neighbor's woods so I can smell it but I don't have to put up with the poison ivy; and after 5 gowing seasons, it's there to see!

[Rene Schweitzer]

How about something like vinca vine (vinca minor)? I've had a patch in a shady area and it's doing well with little care. I've read recently that it's now considered a noxious weed in some areas; however, my patch has been around for 4 years and does not spread that quickly. It's also easily removed.