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.

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Friday - December 21, 2012

From: San Anselmo, CA
Region: California
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Vines
Title: Vine for complete shade in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I'm looking for a vine to put over my back door which is in complete shade.

ANSWER:

There aren't too many vines that are native to your part of California that will grow in complete shade, but here are four attractive ones that will.

Clematis ligusticifolia (Western white clematis) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and Yerba Buena Nursery in Woodside and from Bay Natives Nursery in San Francisco.

Lathyrus vestitus (Pacific pea) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Bay Natives Nursery in San Francisco.

Lonicera hispidula (Pink honeysuckle) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Yerba Buena Nursery and Bay Natives Nursery.

Lonicera ciliosa (Orange honeysuckle) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Seven Oaks Native Nursery near Albany, Oregon. This one occurs a bit further north than Marin County but would probably do well there.

From the Image Gallery

Western white clematis
Clematis ligusticifolia

Orange honeysuckle
Lonicera ciliosa

Pink honeysuckle
Lonicera hispidula