1. CHILEAN LANTERN TREE
This stunning evergreen also goes by the more fancy name of Crinodendron hookerianum. In spring and summer it has clusters of vibrant red blooms shaped like lanterns. As the roots like to be kept cool and shaded it prefers a sheltered position. Give it these conditions and it can grow up to 16 feet high.
2. CHOCOLATE VINE
Also known as Akebia quinata, this vigorous and very pretty twining vine is covered with clusters of deep burgundy, scented flowers that have a spicy fragrance with just a hint of vanilla. It can be trained against a semi-shady north-facing wall or over a pergola, as well as in pots, and it also thrives in sun.
3. CLIMBING ROSE
Many climbing roses are well suited to growing in light to moderate levels of shade but none are suited to heavy shade. However some varieties only require four or so hours of good sun each day. If they don't get it they will still produce flowers only slightly less of them. Being planted in shadier conditions can also bring out the color in paler varieties, which would otherwise be bleached out in full sun.
4. CLIMBING HYDRANGEA
'Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ‘var.petiolaris’) is one of the most sought-after climbers for its beautiful flowering cover and ability to climb up to 40 feet on vertical structures and trees,' says Rich Christakes, founder of the plant-based marketplace Ship My Plants. 'This hydrangea can thrive in areas with full sun, partial shade, and shade, making it a versatile choice for any landscape.'
5. VARIEGATED IVY
Ivy is the go-to if you want to add a lovely year-round green backdrop to a shady part of the yard. All varieties of ivy are great climbing plants for shade, and they grow prolifically even in heavy shade.
6. STAR JASMINE
A versatile and enchanting vine that adds a touch of fragrance and luminous beauty to shady yards, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) climbs effortlessly to cover walls or trellises, providing an attractive screen - it's one of the best plants for a privacy fence. It is sometimes said to prefer full sun, but works well in shade too, perhaps with slightly fewer flowers.
7. CLEMATIS
Clematis are great climbers for shady gardens as there is a choice of varieties for every situation. Some clematis even grow in heavily shaded areas. Most grow well in sun or partial shade, but flowering can be less prolific in a very shady spot.
8. VIRGINIA CREEPER
Known for turning glorious shades of fiery red and orange in fall, this rampant climber is often used to cover walls, and can make a partially shady spot pop with color. To achieve a truly spectacular show it is best grown in full sun. Nevertheless it's tolerant of moderate levels of shade making it a great choice if you want a real blaze of color.
9. HONEYSUCKLE
One of the best loved scented plants, honeysuckle (Lonicera) will weave through roses and other climbing plants adding its heavenly fragrance to the mix. Honeysuckle is a great addition to any landscape and will draw in wildlife with its yellow, pink and red blossoms. While honeysuckle prefers full sun, the good news is they will tolerate some shade too.
10. FATSHEDERA
The fatshedera plant is a unique vine that can be grown outdoors in most light conditions, or indoors as a houseplant. It thrives in part shade or full shade, and the giant variegated ivy leaves add light to shady spots. It adds lovely foliage to shaded areas as the plant climbs up the trellis or other support. It's also evergreen, so provides year round interest.