When adding colour and interest to shady spots in the garden, shade-tolerant clematis varieties are a great choice. These versatile climbers can thrive in partial or even full shade, making them ideal for areas where other plants struggle. Whether you’re working with extensive gardens, small patios, or even pots, clematis can be trained to climb or spread as ground cover. Some varieties, like Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ and Clematis montana, are perfect for adding shelter and beauty to bare spots in your garden.
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What makes clematis so appealing is their ability to adapt to different conditions. While they are well known for climbing and needing support to thrive, some varieties also feature a shrubby habit, allowing them to flourish as standalone plants in shady areas. These clematis can grow beneath the tree canopy or in dappled shade, and still add vibrant colour and texture to spaces that are typically harder to plant in. Whether you are looking for a trained climber or a self-clinging variety, you can find a clematis that works well in areas with limited plant options.
11 Best Shade Tolerant Clematis
Clematis macropetala
Clematis macropetala is a stunning species known for its small, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This deciduous climbing vine is native to the mountainous regions of China and Mongolia and thrives in shady areas. It produces an abundance of blue, purple, and sometimes lavender flowers, with four to five petals typically about 2 inches in diameter.
This variety is perfect for growing on trellises, climbing trees, or as ground cover, reaching up to 15 feet long. Clematis macropetala grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and its easy maintenance makes it a great choice for gardeners. It thrives in partial shade, adding beauty and texture to your landscape. Pruning it after flowering helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages fresh new growth.
Polish Spirit
Polish Spirit is a beautiful Group 3 viticella clematis known for its sumptuous, large, deep purple flowers that bloom from July to September. It has dark green leaves that provide a stunning contrast to its vibrant flowers, making it a perfect addition to any garden. This clematis is well-suited for planting on pergolas, trees, or alongside rambling roses. It thrives in partial shade and adds long-lasting colour to shaded areas.
Reaching 4m in height and 2m in width, Polish Spirit is an excellent choice for creating a season of colour in your garden. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil and can be easily pruned to encourage new growth. The plant’s ability to thrive in partial shade makes it perfect for areas with limited sunlight, adding beauty and structure to your landscape. Its adaptability and low-maintenance nature make it a great choice for any gardener.
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ is a stunning hybrid clematis known for its beautiful pink flowers with pale pink stripes and bright yellow stamens. It’s a large-flowered variety, with blooms that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. This deciduous vine thrives in partial shade, where it enjoys a cool root zone. It blooms in late spring to early summer, making it an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and fences. Nelly Moser grows to a height of 8-12 feet, and it’s relatively low maintenance. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer will keep it healthy throughout the growing season.
Clematis ‘My Angel’
Clematis ‘My Angel’, a member of the Tangutica group, is another fantastic choice for shade-tolerant clematis. This plant features nodding yellow flowers with a slight resemblance to Bill Mackenzie but has a unique twist. The flowers are dark yellow with burgundy edges and a burgundy hue on the stems and undersides of the leaves. My Angel blooms from midsummer to autumn, and after the flowers fade, it produces fluffy seedheads, making it a visually interesting plant throughout the year. With a height of around 3 meters and a width of 1.5 meters, it’s perfect for creating vibrant displays in shady spots of the garden. This clematis thrives in partial shade and requires minimal care, making it an easy and beautiful addition to your garden.
Clematis Montana
Clematis Montana is a species clematis known for its vigorous growth and profuse blooms. This variety is particularly well-suited for entire shade areas where other plants might struggle. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, each measuring 1-2 inches in diameter. Its sweet fragrance fills the air during late spring and early summer, adding both beauty and scent to shady spaces. This clematis is also a low-maintenance plant, thriving in cool, moist soil. Clematis Montana can reach up to 30 feet in length as it grows, making it ideal for trellises, walls, or even as a ground cover. It’s perfect for gardeners looking for a hardy, shade-tolerant option that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.
Clematis tangutica ‘Bill Mackenzie’
Another excellent shade-tolerant clematis is Clematis tangutica ‘Bill Mackenzie,’ often referred to as the ‘orange-peel’ clematis. This Group 3 cultivar blooms from July to October, providing a boost of colour during the late summer and early fall. Known for its vigorous growth, it reaches a height and width of 3 meters, making it perfect for climbing on fences or walls in partial shade. The dark green leaves create a beautiful contrast with the yellow flowers that add warmth and brightness to shaded areas. Like Clematis Montana, it thrives in moist conditions and is low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a vibrant, easy-care plant to brighten up shaded spots.
Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’
When it comes to adding color to shade gardens, Clematis varieties are an excellent choice. Clematis ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ stands out among the best shade-tolerant clematis. This viticella type clematis is known for its velvety pink-purple flowers that bloom from July to September. It’s a popular variety that can thrive in partial shade, making it suitable for pots and small spaces. With a compact growth habit, it reaches a height of 2.5 meters and a width of 1 meter, making it ideal for containers or small garden corners.
Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’
Another excellent choice is Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans,’ a double-flowered cultivar with stunning rich wine red blooms. This viticella clematis blooms from mid-summer to late autumn, making it perfect for extending the season of color in your garden. It also tolerates partial shade and grows to a height of 4 meters and a width of 1 meter, making it a great climber for trellises or even climbing roses.
Clematis ‘Prince Charles’
If you’re looking for a compact variety, Clematis ‘Prince Charles’ is an excellent option. This Group 3 clematis produces beautiful pale blue-purple flowers with yellow stamens and thrives in partial shade. It’s ideal for small gardens or growing in pots, reaching a height of 2.5 meters and a width of 1 meter. With its vibrant blooms and tolerance to shady spots, Clematis ‘Prince Charles’ adds elegance to any garden.
Clematis alpina (Alpine Clematis)
For those looking to add color to shade gardens, Clematis alpina is a fantastic option. This deciduous climbing vine thrives in partial shade and can even grow in full shade. It’s native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Clematis alpina produces bell-shaped blue flowers that bloom in early spring, often before the leaves appear. These flowers can be blue, purple, or pink, with four or five petals and a diameter of about 2 inches. This plant can grow up to 15 feet in length, making it perfect for trellises, arbors, or as ground cover. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and requires little maintenance, making it an easy addition to any garden.
Clematis ‘Fujimusume’
Another excellent choice for full shade is Clematis ‘Fujimusume,’ a compact variety known for its huge, saucer-shaped flowers. These mauve flowers can grow up to 20cm across and bloom in June and July, with a second flush appearing in late summer. This clematis is ideal for smaller gardens or pots, where it can reach a height of 2.5 meters and a width of 1 meter. If you’re looking for a plant that thrives in full shade and adds a striking visual appeal with its large flowers, Clematis ‘Fujimusume’ is a perfect option.
Caring for Shade Tolerant Clematis
Planting
When planting clematis, bury the crown about 2-3 inches below the soil surface. This ensures the roots are kept cool and the plant can establish itself properly. Choose a spot with partial sun or shade for optimal growth. The soil should be well-drained, moist, and not too soggy, which helps to encourage strong foliage and vibrant blooms. Following these guidelines will ensure your clematis plants stay healthy and happy.
Watering
Proper watering is essential for clematis. They need moist soil but avoid making it too soggy. Water your clematis deeply, about once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil. If possible, use rainwater from a water butt for a more natural irrigation method. Be sure to adjust watering according to the season and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing
During spring, it’s important to fertilize your clematis with a balanced fertilizer, especially one specifically formulated for clematis. This will help promote healthy new growth and support blooming. The right fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive, so it’s essential to clematis care.
Pruning
Pruning is key for maintaining the health and shape of your clematis. Prune the plant after flowering for early-blooming clematis, such as Clematis Montana. For later-blooming varieties, prune in spring to control the size and shape of the plant. Regular pruning also helps prevent overcrowding and ensures the plant gets enough sunlight for new growth.
Support and Winter Care
Clematis are climbing plants and need support to grow vertically. Install a trellis, arbor, or other support structure to help the plant climb. For winter care, many clematis varieties need extra protection. If you live in a colder climate, consider using mulch around the roots to protect them from the winter cold. You can also cover the plant with burlap to shield it from harsh weather. Be vigilant for pests and diseases like spider mites and powdery mildew, and treat any infestations promptly. With the proper care, your clematis will continue to thrive year after year.
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Final Observations
Shade-tolerant clematis varieties are perfect for adding color and beauty to areas of your garden that receive limited sunlight. These versatile climbers thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for planting under trees or in spots where other plants may struggle to grow. Clematis can be trained to climb fences, trellises, or arbors or used as ground cover, providing a vibrant splash of color in both large gardens and small patios. With the right care, these plants will reward you with stunning blooms throughout the year.
FAQs
Q-Will clematis grow in shade?
Yes, many clematis varieties are shade-tolerant and can grow in partial or even complete shade.
Q-Which clematis do best in shade?
Clematis varieties like Clematis Montana, Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, and Clematis alpina do well in shade.
Q-Which climbers grow best in shade?
Climbers like clematis, honeysuckle, and ivy thrive in shady spots.
Q- Can clematis grow in pots?
Yes, clematis can grow well in pots, especially if the pot has proper drainage and is placed in a suitable spot.
Q-Does clematis hybrid like sun or shade?
Clematis hybrids generally prefer partial sun but can also tolerate some shade, depending on the variety.
