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
Tuesday - May 07, 2013
From: Mobile, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Vines
Title: Shade tolerant vines for Mobile AL
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I am looking for an evergreen vine that will thrive in the shade in hot and humid south Alabama. I plan to plant on a trellis. A flowering vine would be even better.ANSWER:
You’re in luck! Hot & humid Alabama has several flowering native vines that will grow in shade. I went to the Recommended List for Alabama, chose “Vines” as habit and “Partial Shade & Shade” as Light Requirement – and it returned these six choices.
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine)
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine)
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle)
Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria)
If you honestly meant full shade [<2 hours sun] then Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) and Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) are still capable of thriving in that amount of light.
You may want to also consider the vines climbing habit in addition to the kind and amount of blooms they produce. For instance, Purple passionflower is famed for spreading aggressivly by root suckers. There are also several choices as to whether the vine grows into its support or attaches itself to it in some manner. All good things to consider before your choice is in the ground and growing vigorously.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Differentiating between Cow-itch vine and Balsam-gourd vine
July 08, 2005 - How can I tell the difference between Cow-itch vine and Balsam-gourd vine?
view the full question and answer
Planting Wisteria frutescens Against a House in Wisconsin
October 01, 2015 - I have a question about Wisteria frutescens ('Amethyst Falls'). I know it's far less aggressive than the non-native species, but how aggressive is its root system? Can I plant it close to my house ...
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing vine for cinder block wall in Albuquerque
July 26, 2010 - I live in Albuquerque, N.M. and have a cement/cinder block wall and was wondering if there is a vine I can plant which will be easy to grow, grow fast and cover my wall without any type of help like a...
view the full question and answer
Vines for fence in Bentonville, Arkansas
June 12, 2013 - I have about 600 LF of 8ft high chain link fence I would like to grow vines on in Northwest Arkansas for screening. I would like some to cover quickly but be maintenance friendly. I heard alternating ...
view the full question and answer
Green wall panel for Dallas
August 21, 2007 - We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |