We're putting together a list of the ATP members' favorite shade plants! Come on in and read how to nominate your favorites! We will later publish a final article on the top picks.
Many clematis grow really well in shade. They come in a huge variety of colors and sizes, with flowering seasons from really early to autumn. Some types rebloom. Some are great for containers or as patio plants because they grow to just 8-12 ft, others will take over a tall tree. I particularly love the small and medium flowered varieties. Something for everyone!
I heard Clematis 'Rooguchi' blooms well in the shade so I decided to try it. I've had it growing for a few years and it is doing ok in my shady conditions. I like the delicate blooms of this one.
@Aspenhill - I love the shape of that 'rooguchi' clematis! I love things that are different, and that's certainly different from what I think of when I think of clematis.
My mom has a beautiful purple clematis growing at her house that I love, so I definitely second the nomination for clematis!
I don't tend to think of clematis as 'shade plants' in general, and I've certainly proved this to myself numerous times by planting them in too deep of a shady situation hoping for them to find their way up/out and into the sun only to be disappointed, but I will 'third' the nomination, especially for part shade!
I highly recommend Arabella as well; it's one that I grow. I love how it intermingles with the adjacent plants in the garden. It also has a very long season of bloom.
My favorite is one called 'Alabaste'. It is planted at the base of a large white oak and has beautiful full ivory colored flowers. The oak has no branches for the first 20ft so it actually grows in moderate shade.
'Alabaste' sounds like one I should put on the list to get. When I looked it up, it said that for best color and performance, grow Alabas™ out of direct sunlight, so it sounds perfect for my shady conditions.
Some clematis prefer to have their heads in the sun (all like to have shade at their roots), but there are plenty that can be planted in any aspect, and some that positively prefer a shady location.
