Howdy. I'm looking to cover a section of wrought iron fence underneath a tree with a vine, to reduce the view to my ugly dog run. Tropical looking vines such as passionflower have all died in this spot, presumably because they aren't getting enough light. Any ideas for a fairly cold tolerant vine that doesn't mind a good deal of shade? Something fairly cold hardy would be ideal, though it does receive a degree of extra frost protection being under a tree and all. I want something that would be a good luck amongst semi-tropical / tropical plantings. But all the vines I'm familiar with seem to like a good deal of sunlight. Thanks for any recommendations!

I need a suggestion for a shady vine also. My spot is a trellis against the greenhouse wall, so I can use a plant more frost tender. However, my garden is heat starved, no frost and no warmth! Thanks in advance, from Kevin and myself!

Stephanotis floribunda works well in shady conditions here in south Orange County, CA.

My favorite to grow is Stephanotis floribunda variegata if you can find it.

Jade vine can grow in shade for sure. What about some aristholochia? I think some of them can tolerate a bit of shade, as long as it is not deep shade.

Regards, Ari

no better smell than the flowers on Stephanotis.....I germinated some from seed off a friend's plant last year, and they are up to one gallon size right now. They grow pretty slowly, but man what a fragrance!

Stephanotis is not going to work real well in Daryl's San Francisco location, and probably would freeze back occasionally in the Temecula location as well. I've had good luck with the common Star Jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides for shady spots, and it will still bloom in quite a bit of shade, if not as densely as in sun. You might also consider Akebia, Clytostoma callistegioides, or some of the Abutilon hybrids trained as an espalier. I've found that some of the variegated leafed Abutilons will accept quite a bit of shade and still grow well, but will appreciate extra attention to watering and fertlilizing to grow better in deeper shade. Another vine that is harder to find, but also accepts deep shade is the South African species, Senecio tamoides, and blooms in winter for me. This one can get pretty big, but doesn't tend to be as weedy from seed as the other similar foliaged one that is on the state's noxious weed list, and is rampant in coastal areas with heavy fog drip. Ficus repens will also grow well enough in deep shade, but does like it better with heat, and will be more aggressive in outgrowing its area.

Stephanotis is not going to work real well in Daryl's San Francisco location, and probably would freeze back occasionally in the Temecula location as well. I've had good luck with the common Star Jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides for shady spots, and it will still bloom in quite a bit of shade, if not as densely as in sun. You might also consider Akebia, Clytostoma callistegioides, or some of the Abutilon hybrids trained as an espalier. I've found that some of the variegated leafed Abutilons will accept quite a bit of shade and still grow well, but will appreciate extra attention to watering and fertlilizing to grow better in deeper shade. Another vine that is harder to find, but also accepts deep shade is the South African species, Senecio tamoides, and blooms in winter for me. This one can get pretty big, but doesn't tend to be as weedy from seed as the other similar foliaged one that is on the state's noxious weed list, and is rampant in coastal areas with heavy fog drip. Ficus repens will also grow well enough in deep shade, but does like it better with heat, and will be more aggressive in outgrowing its area.

Thanks. I will research some of these.