Clematis are popular flowering vines that add vertical interest and pops of color to any garden. With their eye-catching blooms and ability to scale fences, trellises, and arbors, it’s no wonder they are a staple in many outdoor spaces.
But most gardeners know that clematis thrive best in full sun. So what about those problematic shady areas in the landscape? Will clematis grow in shade at all?
The answer is yes – with some caveats While most clematis appreciate sun, there are certain varieties that can tolerate, and even flourish, in shadier conditions
In this article we’ll explore
- The best clematis varieties for shade
- Growing tips to help your shade clematis thrive
- Common problems and solutions for shade-loving clematis
Do Any Clematis Grow Well in Shade?
Clematis are divided into three main pruning groups that offer clues about their light needs:
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Group 1 These are the most shade-tolerant clematis that bloom in early spring on old wood Pruning is not required except to control size Examples include Alpine clematis (Clematis alpina) and Armand clematis (Clematis armandii),
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Group 2: These varieties bloom in late spring on old wood and again in summer on new wood. They require light pruning. A good shade option is Clematis ‘Nelly Moser.’
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Group 3: Blooming in summer and fall on new wood only, these need hard pruning annually. Some shade-tolerant cultivars include Clematis ‘Roguchi’ and Clematis viticella varieties.
While clematis prefer at least 6 hours of sun per day, those in Groups 1 and 2 tend to be the most shade-tolerant. Even sun-loving Group 3 clematis can grow in light or dappled shade. Just avoid planting any clematis in dense, full shade.
The Best Clematis Varieties for Shade
Here are some top picks for shade-loving clematis to grow in your partly shaded garden areas:
Clematis Alpina
This early spring bloomer in pruning Group 1 thrives in partial shade, especially against a north-facing wall or fence. The nodding, urn-shaped flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink or white, followed by fluffy seed heads. Compact at just 8 to 10 feet tall and wide.
Clematis Armandii
Armand clematis offers fragrant white spring blossoms on a vigorous 15 to 30 foot vine. It grows well in shade and can cover large areas quickly. Pruning is not required. Protect from harsh winter wind and sun with evergreen branches or burlap.
Clematis Montana
With small starry flowers in white, pink or red, this vining clematis can reach up to 30 feet. It blooms abundantly on old wood in late spring. Montana clematis thrives in shade and needs little to no pruning.
Clematis Macropetala
Also known as downy clematis, this beauty has dangling, bell-shaped blooms in spring and early summer. It grows up to 12 feet tall and prefers partial shade. Pruning group 1.
Clematis Viticella Varieties
These Group 3 clematis bloom vigorously in summer and fall in shades of purple, red and pink. Most grow to 8 to 12 feet tall. Good shade-tolerant choices include Polish Spirit, Madame Julia Correvon, Etoile Violette, and Polish Nun.
Clematis Integrifolia
A non-vining type with a bushy habit and nodding blue bells in summer. Grows just 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, thriving in partial shade. Makes a great clematis for containers, too. Pruning group 3.
Clematis Texensis
The scarlet leather flower clematis offers showy red urn-shaped blooms and 4-inch cream puff seed heads from late spring to fall. It reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and tolerates shade. Pruning group 2.
Growing Clematis Successfully in Shade
While clematis prefer sun, with some adjustments they can grow quite well in lightly shaded areas. Follow these tips for best results:
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Choose the Right Spot – Target areas with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight filtering through trees. Avoid dense shade from buildings or tree canopy.
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Prepare the Soil – Clematis like fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost. Work in organic material to a depth of 18-24 inches pre-planting.
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Plant Properly – Plant clematis roots 1-2 inches deeper than ground level to protect them. Add a layer of mulch to keep roots cool.
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Provide Support – Set up a trellis, fence or other support structure for clematis vines to climb. The goal is at least 5-6 feet of height.
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Water Well – Consistent moisture is key, especially while young clematis are establishing. Water 1-2 inches per week. Add mulch to retain moisture.
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Fertilize Occasionally – Use a balanced organic fertilizer a couple times per growing season. Too much fertility can inhibit blooms.
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Prune Properly – Pruning needs vary by variety. Prune group 1 and 2 clematis lightly after flowering. Prune group 3 clematis back hard each spring.
Troubleshooting Shade Clematis Issues
Even when cultural conditions are optimal, clematis can still struggle in too much shade. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Few or No Flowers
- Ensure the variety is suited to shade. Move to a brighter spot or consider replacing with a lower-light clematis.
Sparse Foliage
- Light levels may be too low. Try pruning back hard in early spring to stimulate new growth.
Leggy Growth
- Clematis are stretching for sunlight. Prune hard, fertilize lightly and reduce shade if possible.
Wilt
- Could be clematis wilt disease. Improve air circulation. Disinfect pruners between cuts. Remove and destroy affected foliage.
Leaf Spot or Rust
- Treat fungal disease with neem oil sprayed every 1-2 weeks. Promote airflow around plants.
Slugs/Snails
- These pests enjoy shady, moist clematis sites. Remove them by hand or use organic slug bait. Reduce foliage moisture.
With the right variety, proper care, and adjustments to shade levels, most clematis can grow well even in partly shaded areas. Observe your plants and make changes as needed until you find the optimal conditions for your unique space.
The versatility of clematis means with a bit of tweaking, these flowering vines can enhance vertical appeal and charm in all areas of the garden – even those pesky shady spots.
Try one of these shade-tolerant beauties this year to give struggling shadows new life with brilliant clematis blooms.
Best Clematis for Shade
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ is a popular hybrid clematis that is known for its stunning pink flowers with distinctive pale pink stripes and bright yellow stamens.
This large-flowered clematis typically blooms from late spring to early summer and can produce flowers up to 6 inches in diameter.
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ is a deciduous vine that can grow up to 8-12 feet in length and is well-suited for growing on trellises, arbors, and fences.
It is also a partial shade-loving plant that prefers a cool root zone and a shady spot in the garden.
One of the reasons that Clematis Nelly Moser is so popular is that it is a relatively low maintenance plant.
It requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, and benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Here is the fertilizer I recommend:
It is also important to prune Clematis Nelly Moser in late winter or early spring, as this encourages new growth and helps to maintain its shape.
Overall, Clematis Nelly Moser is a beautiful and easy-to-grow clematis variety that is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden.
Pruning:
This variety belongs to Pruning Group 2, also known as the “large-flowered” group.
Plants in this group produce their first flush of flowers on the previous years growth, and then a second flush on new growth later in the season.
To prune, remove any dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring, and then cut back any remaining stems to a pair of healthy buds about 6-12 inches above the soil level.
This will help to promote bushier growth and encourage more blooms.
Here is my recommendation for where to buy Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’:
For more tips and inspiration for your shade garden, check out my guides:
Clematis Montana, on the other hand, is a species clematis that is known for its vigorous growth and profuse blooms.
Its flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are perfect for adding a splash of color to full shade areas.
Clematis montana, also known as mountain clematis or anemone clematis, is native to the Himalayas and other mountainous regions of Asia.
This deciduous clematis variety is popular for its profuse, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Clematis montana produces an abundance of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or sometimes purple flowers.
These flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and have a pleasant, sweet fragrance that can fill the air.
The plant itself can grow up to 30 feet in length and is well-suited for growing on trellises, walls, or as a ground cover.
One of the benefits of Clematis montana is that it is a relatively low maintenance plant.
It prefers partial shade and cool, moist soil, but can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Pruning is typically done after flowering, as this encourages new growth and helps to maintain the plants shape.
Clematis montana is also known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates.
It has even been awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding performance in UK gardens.
Pruning:
This variety belongs to Pruning Group 1, also known as the “early-flowering” group.
Plants in this group produce flowers on the previous years growth, so pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing next years blooms.
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood.
Here is the one I recommend growing:
For more shade garden inspiration, check out my guides:
Clematis alpina also known as alpine clematis, is a deciduous climbing vine that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia.
This clematis variety is known for its delicate, bell-shaped blue flowers that bloom in early spring, often before the leaves emerge.
It is a shade-tolerant plant that is perfect for growing in areas with partial shade.
Clematis alpina produces an abundance of small, nodding flowers in shades of blue, purple, or pink.
The flowers typically have four or five petals and can be up to 2 inches in diameter.
The plant itself can grow up to 15 feet in length and is well-suited for growing on trellises, arbors, or as a ground cover.
Clematis alpina is a relatively low maintenance plant.
It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Pruning is typically done after flowering, as this encourages new growth and helps to maintain the plants shape.
It is also known for its hardiness and for the ability of its green leaves to withstand cold temperatures, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates.
Overall, Clematis alpina is a beautiful and reliable clematis variety that is perfect for adding early-season color to your garden.
Pruning:
This variety belongs to Pruning Group 1, also known as the “early-flowering” group.
Plants in this group produce flowers on the previous years growth, so pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing next years blooms.
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood.
To learn more about plants that will thrive in a shady east facing garden, check out my guide:
Clematis macropetala is another species clematis that is well-suited for shady areas.
It produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue and purple that bloom in late spring or early summer and is perfect for growing on trellises or climbing trees.
Also known as downy clematis, it is a deciduous climbing vine that is native to the mountainous regions of China and Mongolia.
Clematis macropetala produces an abundance of small, nodding flowers in shades of blue, lavender, or pink.
The flowers typically have four or five petals and can be up to 2 inches in diameter.
The plant itself can grow up to 15 feet in length and is well-suited for growing on trellises, arbors, or as a ground cover.
It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Pruning is typically done after flowering, as this encourages new growth and helps to maintain the plants shape.
Pruning:
This variety also belongs to Pruning Group 1, the “early-flowering” group.
Plants in this group produce flowers on the previous years growth, so pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing next years blooms.
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood.
Here is my recommendation for where to buy Clematis Macropetala:
For shady garden ideas, check out my guides:
Will Clematis Grow in Shade?
Yes, many clematis varieties can be grown in partial or even full shade, although they may not bloom as prolifically as those grown in full sun.
When planting clematis in a shady spot, its important to choose a variety that is specifically labeled as shade-tolerant, such as Clematis alpina, Clematis macropetala, or some of the larger-flowered hybrids like Clematis Nelly Moser.
See below for a full list of the best clematis for shade.
Its also important to note that clematis plants that are grown in shade will generally produce fewer flowers and have a more open growth habit than those grown in full sun.
To maximize blooming, try to provide your clematis with at least a few hours of morning sun, as this will help stimulate flowering.
When planting in a shady spot, its also important to make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Clematis prefer moist but not waterlogged soil, so be sure to water deeply but infrequently to avoid overwatering.
In short, clematis can certainly be grown in shade, but its important to choose a variety that is well-suited for these conditions and to provide the plant with the right growing environment to help it thrive.
Check out this guide for more flowering vines for shade.
Plants that Will Grow in Shade – Clematis!
FAQ
Which clematis grows best in shade?
Clematis Hagley Hybrid
The lovely shell pink star-shaped blooms have a deeper rose-pink bar when first open, they mature to pale mauve-pink. An old favourite of ours which is perfect in a shady position.
How many hours of sun do clematis need?
To help prevent this fungal wilt in the future, plant your clematis in well-drained soil where it gets at least 6 hours of sun a day.
What is the best climbing plant for shade?
- Ivy. …
- Trachelospermum Star Jasmine. …
- Honeysuckle. …
- Clematis. …
- Virginia Creeper (American Ivy) …
- Chile Lantern Tree. …
- Japanese Quince ‘Pink Lady’ …
- Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental Bittersweet)
Do clematis bloom in the shade?
Yes, many clematis varieties can be grown in partial or even full shade, although they may not bloom as prolifically as those grown in full sun.Mar 17, 2023
Do Clematis grow well in shady areas?
Clematis are one of my favourite climbers and with so much choice in terms of colours, growing habits, eventual heights and when they flower, there are a lot of varieties to choose from. Clematis does best when planted in fertile soil with plenty of sun. However, do you know some varieties do just as well in more shady areas of the garden?
How much sunlight does a clematis need?
Dappled shaded areas receive less than 4 hours of sunlight daily through a leafy canopy. Dappled shade is ideal for the growth of clematis, as it offers a combination of filtered light and periods of direct sunlight. This allows for optimal photosynthesis and encourages robust growth, vibrant foliage, and profuse flowering. 1.
When do clematis bloom?
Clematis macropetala ‘Markhams pink’ Another favourite clematis of mine with stunning double bell-shaped flowers to 5cm in length that bloom around mid spring so one of the earlier flowering varieties.
What Clematis are best for shade?
Here we will explore some of the most popular clematis varieties for shade, including Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ and Clematis montana, as well as tips for caring for and selecting the right clematis for your garden. In this guide to clematis for shade I’ll help you pick the right clematis for your garden.
Are Clematis light sensitive?
Light-sensitive blooms Their blooms are sensitive to intense sunlight. To protect themselves, clematis produces flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, which reflect and disperse sunlight rather than absorbing it. This adaptation enables them to remain cool, prevent damage from excessive heat and grow under shade.
Can viticella Clematis grow in shade?
A viticella clematis, it’s perfect for growing with a climbing rose to extend the season of colour, or training through a tree. As a Group 3 clematis, it does need some sun but will tolerate partial shade. H x S: 4m x 1m