I have a space on the north side of the garage that really needs something. It's pretty blah through most of the year. I took out the astibles. The only time it's even a little interesting is when the hellebore and bleeding heart bloom. By June, the bh is dying back, and while it has great foliage, the hellebore just sits there. Looking at me like I should do something. So...

I asked around some for suggestions and got some great ones. It set me on a path to try something new. I purchased a lovely trellis for height.



My choices were pretty slim if I wanted flowers. I didn't need anything too showy but foliage matters. I tossed around ideas for climbing hydrangeas, clematis and the like, but then I thought, try something you haven't tried before and see what happens. I knew I wanted an iris and I. cristata was suggested. I love those but I want them where I can see them all the time.

I found some plants that may work and wanted your feedback.

I. setosa and Passiflora lutea.
Wild Yellow Passion Flower (Passiflora lutea)

Species Iris (Iris setosa)

I don't have experience with Passiflora lutea, but I have grown this clematis which may do well in the location you are revamping. This clematis was amazing and a vigorous grower. I lost it when we had to do renovations to the verandah. After thinking about it now, I am going to replant it!

That looks like something I can do by the house on the northwest! The garage is on the northeast side.

First time seeing that passionflower but it is neat!! Good luck!!

I have Huechera, Hostas and Foxglove on the shady side of my hours. The foxgloves grow tall with a beautiful spiky flower and all are perennials.

I grew Passion Flower at one time and it just grew like crazy. I love it and have been looking to grow more on my front porch which is partial shade. It does a champion job of growing up a trellis and the very unique blooms are worth it.

I'm ordering them this week. I have to get the C. alpina, too! Today, I get to make a trip to HD for compost. I was looking at Dutchmans Pipe too. Those are interesting as heck!

Love Dutchmans pipe. If anybody needs a baby passion flower vine, let me know. I got bookoo.

I may take you up on that Missy!

Leslie, please do!!! I have to pull and toss so many little vines. But I love them.

I went through a big vine phase many years ago.. Most Passifloras in this climate can swallow a house.. so I don't do those anymore... I had a cool Clematis in a shady spot at my last house.. Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles'. It was evergreen here.. and much cuter than this picture.. Wish I had a spot for one now.


I grow Aristolochia californica in bright shade, but I don't know how hardy it is..
A friend of mine grew the large flowered one (gigantea?), but I think it's tender... It was spectacular though...

Oh Sherry, those are both lovely.

There is a 2" space between east side of the garage and the RV pad. I keep thinking I'd like to push seeds of a climbing vine down there. Something that climbs without support. Morning sun and afternoon shade. Fall leaf litter goes down in there so it's pretty humusy by now.

Henhouse said:I went through a big vine phase many years ago.. Most Passifloras in this climate can swallow a house.. so I don't do those anymore... I had a cool Clematis in a shady spot at my last house.. Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles'. It was evergreen here.. and much cuter than this picture.. Wish I had a spot for one now.

• Clematis (Clematis cirrhosa)
• Uploaded by goldfinch4

I grow Aristolochia californica in bright shade, but I don't know how hardy it is..

• California Pipevine (Isotrema californicum)
• Uploaded by Henhouse

A friend of mine grew the large flowered one (gigantea?), but I think it's tender... It was spectacular though...

I had one last year that was not hearty to zone 6. I planted one this year that is. Hope it thrives I really like them! I have a very tiny spot in my yard that I plant for butterfly breeding. Haven't gotten into it yet but I will someday!

Butterflies are why I'm thinking I need a DP.

Our daughter grows Autumn clematis. It is lush.

Although I like them and they are pretty, unfortunately, I don't have the room for those. The ones around here seem covered in bees and I don't want that right by a doorway.

I am in the process of tracking down and eradicating all of the autumn clematis on my property. In this environment it grows up a fence and tangles into a bunch the size of a small car. You will never see a fence or trellis again. I hear it does not grow so out of hand in cooler climates. It can grow six inches in a day easily.