Clematis for north-facing walls and shade

A north-facing wall can feel like the awkward corner of a garden: cool, sunless for much of the day and hard to dress. Yet several clematis grow and flower well in that kind of light, and some look better for it, because their colours hold instead of bleaching in hot sun.

What "shade" really means for clematis

Not all shade is equal. A north wall in an open garden receives bright, indirect light all day, and often a little early or late sun in midsummer. Deep shade under a dense evergreen tree, or between tall buildings, is a different matter. The RHS notes that very shady positions give poor flowering, and its advice on clematis that refuse to bloom stresses that the top of the plant should not be in deep shade. The aim is light shade or a few hours of direct sun.

In some respects a north wall suits clematis well. It keeps the root zone cool and moist, which is exactly what clematis like. The British Clematis Society even suggests planting clematis on the north, rainier side of trees and shrubs.

Why large-flowered hybrids can shine in shade

The RHS observes that twice-flowering clematis, the large-flowered hybrids of pruning group 2, are particularly suited to shadier positions, because shade slows the fading of the flower colour. Pale pinks, mauves and striped flowers that wash out on a hot south wall keep their markings on a north or east wall.

Clematis that tolerate north-facing positions

All of the following are listed in the RHS plant database as suitable for a north-facing aspect. Heights are the ranges the RHS gives.

'Nelly Moser' (group 2)

The classic choice: large rosy-lilac flowers up to 20cm across, each sepal marked with a carmine stripe, in late spring and early summer, with a repeat later. The RHS lists every aspect, rates it H6 (hardy throughout the UK) and notes that the flower colour fades in strong sun, which is why it is so often recommended for north walls. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) and reaches 1.5–2.5m. Be aware that the RHS lists it as susceptible to clematis wilt.

'Hagley Hybrid' (group 3, or group 2/3)

Shell-pink flowers with deep red anthers from midsummer to early autumn. The RHS lists north, east and west aspects and says it is best in part shade to preserve its colour. It is one of the summer clematis that can be pruned either as group 2 or group 3.

'Ooh La La' (Boulevard series, group 2)

A compact plant at 1–1.5m, recommended by the RHS for north, east or west aspects in partial or full shade, and best in partial shade to stop the flowers fading. A good choice for a shady courtyard or a pot by a north-facing door.

'Frances Rivis' (group 1)

A tough, early alpina-type clematis with nodding, violet-blue flowers in spring. It holds the AGM, is rated H6, grows to 1.5–2.5m and is listed for any aspect. Alpina types also appear on the RHS list of clematis resistant to wilt, and need very little pruning.

'Piilu' (group 2)

Pale pink with a darker central bar, double or semi-double in its first flush and usually single later. It grows to 1.5–2.5m and is listed for any aspect.

'Étoile Violette' and 'Perle d'Azur' (group 3)

Two robust late-flowering clematis that the RHS lists for any aspect, in full sun or partial shade. 'Étoile Violette' is a deep purple viticella; 'Perle d'Azur' has clear pale blue flowers. Both hold the AGM, reach 2.5–4m and are pruned hard in late winter. Give them the brightest stretch of a north wall, and consider pairing them with a shade-tolerant climbing rose (see combining clematis with roses).

On the darkest walls, colour choice matters as much as variety. Pale and white flowers show up far better in low light than deep purples and reds, which can look dull against a gloomy background, so lighter shades such as 'Nelly Moser', 'Hagley Hybrid' or 'Perle d'Azur' make the most of limited light.

Plants to treat with caution

• Evergreen clematis such as C. armandii and C. cirrhosa are rated H4 by the RHS, which recommends sheltered south- or west-facing positions for them. A cold north wall exposed to wind is not ideal.
• Herbaceous clematis need full sun, according to the RHS, and are unlikely to thrive against a shady wall.
• Very vigorous types such as C. montana will cover a large north wall, but check their eventual size first: some montana cultivars reach 8–12m, according to the RHS.

Getting the best from a north wall

• Mind the rain shadow: even a shady wall stays dry at its base. Plant 30–45cm out from the wall, as the RHS advises, and lean the stems in to the support along a cane.
• Give plants a good start: improve the soil with organic matter and plant at the right depth for the type. Our guide to planting a clematis has the details.
• Make the most of the light: fix trellis on battens at least 2.5cm off the wall so that air circulates and stems can twine. A pale-painted wall also reflects a little more light onto the plant.
• Keep the base cool but not soggy: on heavy soil, north-facing beds can stay wet in winter, so make sure the planting hole drains.
• Watch for slugs: cool, damp, shady beds suit slugs and snails, which can graze through young clematis stems at the base. Protect new shoots in spring.
• Be patient: growth in shade is usually slower, and flowering may start a little later than on a sunny wall.

East-facing walls

East walls get morning sun and afternoon shade. All the clematis listed above are also rated by the RHS as suitable for east-facing positions, so the same choices apply. In much of Britain, east-facing sites catch cold winter winds, so evergreen clematis are still happier on a sheltered south or west wall.