Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 07, 2010
From: Henrico, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Native flowering vine for trellis in shade in Henrico, VA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I live in Henrico, Virginia and have a trellis in a shady area. I am looking for a native vine to grow, preferably one that flowers and attracts birds and/or butterflies. What do you advise?ANSWER:
Since you were not very specific about how shady your area is, we are going to search for vines for your purpose that will tolerate both "shade," less than 2 hours of sun a day, and "part shade," 2 to 6 hours of sun daily. Most flowering plants will get better bloom with an increase of sun, so hopefully you would consider that your space had from 2 to 6 hours of sun a day. From our Recommended Species section, we found the following three vines that grow in or near Henrico County, VA in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. Follow each link to our page on that individual plant to learn more about it.
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) - blooms red, yellow March to June. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: Good twining vine with prominent blooms for full sun. Great for arbors.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Fruits attract quail, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure, Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Nectar Source: yes
Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower) - blooms pink, blue, purple April to September. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: Showy, Blooms ornamental, Ground cover, Arbor, Twines on fences & other plants, Climbs walls & columns
Use Wildlife: Fruit-birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-patch longwing, Red-banded hairstreak, Julia butterfly, Mexican butterfly.
Nectar Source: yes
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria - blooms white, pink, blue, purple, violet May and June. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: A lovely, aromatic Wisteria native to eastern North American that is less aggressive and less damaging to buildings than the Asian species, but has equally lovely flowers. Can be trained on arbors, walls, and columns.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Marine Blue, Zarucco Duskywing, and skippers
Nectar Source: yes
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
A privacy hedge for a shady spot in Austin, TX
July 02, 2012 - What is a good choice for a privacy hedge in west Austin in a predominantly shady area? I'd like it to be 8-12 feet, along the fence, so as to obstruct the view of the neighbor's yard.
view the full question and answer
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA
December 06, 2012 - Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot...
view the full question and answer
Trees for shade in Austin
May 20, 2012 - I live in Austin and I am looking for a good tree to plant under a large live oak I have in my backyard. Something slow-growing of course and, the garden only gets late day sun for about an hour. Filt...
view the full question and answer
Erosion Control with perennials for a shady Dallas bank
July 25, 2013 - Thank you for your help with turf or perennials on a shaded bank, 4000 sq ft, for the Dallas area that has good roots, grows in semi shade to shade, is on a steep bank so cannot mow, and flowers the l...
view the full question and answer
Bee-attracting vine for shade from St. Paul MN
June 02, 2011 - I need a vine for shade that attracts bees. I am in Minnesota, zone 4a.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |