A group members question: "Hi fellow Shaders. We are in the North East of England and looking for a climber to go on our front house wall which is north facing. I’ve started a climbing hydrangea off which is growing slowly but I’d like some more colour. I don’t think I could cope with the fallen leaves of a Virginia Creeper and would love some nice colourful flowers at some point in the year. Has anyone any ideas or experience of a similar thing please?"
If you're trying to add colour and life to a north-facing wall, you may already know this can be challenging. With limited direct sunlight, not every plant is up to the task. However, some beautiful, shade-tolerant climbers can thrive in these conditions. In this post, I’ll share some insights and recommendations based on my experience and research tailored to our gardening in the North East of England.
The Challenge of a North-Facing Wall
North-facing walls receive little direct sunlight, making them cool and often damp—conditions that not all plants can handle. If you’ve started with a climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris), you’re on the right track. This plant is well-known for its ability to thrive in shade and provide lush green foliage with clusters of white flowers in summer. However, if you’re looking to add more colour to your wall, there are several other climbers to consider.
Top Climbing Plants for Adding Colour
Here are some excellent climbers that can bring a splash of colour to your north-facing wall, without the mess of fallen leaves like with Virginia Creeper:
Clematis (Varieties like 'Nelly Moser' and 'Piilu')
Clematis is a popular choice for shady spots and can provide some stunning flowers.
'Nelly Moser': This variety is perfect for partial shade and features large, pale pink flowers with deep pink stripes. It flowers in late spring and early summer, and again in late summer, providing extended interest.
'Piilu': Another shade-tolerant variety, 'Piilu' offers double pink flowers in spring and single blooms in late summer. It's a compact climber, also making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Clematis needs a cool, shaded root area, so mulch around the base to protect the roots from direct sunlight.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina')
Honeysuckle is known for its sweet fragrance and vibrant flowers. The 'Serotina' variety suits shaded areas and can thrive on a north-facing wall.
Flowers: This plant produces clusters of tubular flowers that mix red, yellow, and purple, blooming from late summer into autumn.
Scent: The fragrance is particularly strong in the evening, making it a great choice near windows or outdoor seating areas.
Honeysuckle is also relatively easy to care for, though it may need regular pruning to keep it in check.
Climbing Rose (Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carrière')
Roses might not be the first plant that comes to mind for a shady spot, but 'Madame Alfred Carrière' is a climbing rose that can handle less sunlight.
Flowers: This rose offers large, creamy white to pale pink blooms that are very fragrant and bloom repeatedly from summer through to autumn.
Maintenance: Like all roses, it will benefit from regular feeding and pruning, but it’s generally low-maintenance.
This variety is ideal if you’re looking for a traditional, romantic look with beautiful, scented blooms.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Winter jasmine is a great choice if you want to add some early-season colour.
Flowers: Bright yellow flowers appear from late winter to early spring, bringing a burst of color when most other plants are still dormant.
Growth: It’s a vigorous climber that can cover large areas, and while it doesn’t have the classic jasmine scent, it more than makes up for it with its cheerful blooms.
Winter Jasmine is very hardy and can thrive in a north-facing wall's cooler, shadier conditions.
Planting and Care Tips for North-Facing Climbers
Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter to help these climbers establish themselves.
Support: Most climbers will need support, whether it’s a trellis, wires, or a sturdy wall. Secure this before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year as the plants establish. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Conclusion
Finding the right climbers for a north-facing wall can be challenging, but with the right choices, you can create a beautiful, vibrant display even in the shadiest spots. Whether you opt for the elegant blooms of clematis, the fragrant flowers of honeysuckle, the classic appeal of climbing roses, or the bright cheer of winter jasmine, each of these plants can add colour and interest to your garden throughout the year.
Happy gardening! 🌿🌸
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