Adding a few climbing plants into your yard or your garden is a great idea if you want to add some more outdoor aesthetic appeal to your property. Growing shade vines is a great idea because it offers privacy, camouflage, and can be used for decorative purposes as well.
There are many fast-growing climbers that you can use around the house to completely change your boring courtyard into something unique and inspiring. If you like spending time outdoors a lot, it is a fantastic idea for homeowners and gardeners alike.
There are a few shade vines that tend to grow rapidly and some also give off gorgeous flowers. You can easily grow them in a garden bed or also choose a small pot if you don’t have a lot of space.
The best thing about growing these shade vines is that they can be supported with a trellis frame or by using some wires to provide greater support. So, if you are looking for a few shade vines, here are some common fast growing shade vines.
1 – Boston Ivy
One of the most popular shade vines in the world right now is Boston Ivy. Ivy League universities even get their name from the Boston Ivy that is often found climbing all around their aged walls.
This is a perennial shade vine that tends to grow all year round. The leaves tend to turn a dark shade of red as the fall season approaches and the vine looks very gorgeous during the summer months.
It is not known for the plants; the Boston Ivy is famous for the dark green leaves that the plant produces. If you are growing these vines outside, just make sure that they are placed in an area that receives lots of sunlight.
This will produce those gorgeous red shades that most people want to see. The plant generally requires at least six hours of sunlight per day and it needs to be planted in loamy soil for better growth.
The Boston Ivy is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
2 – Climbing Hydrangea
The climbing Hydrangea is by far one of the most popular fast growing shade vines that you can choose from. This is a flowering vine that tends to bloom under shady conditions.
The climbing Hydrangea does not require a great deal of sunlight to give off flowers. It is a hardy vine found in the northern states in the country.
Since the climbing Hydrangea gives off flowers and is also pretty easy to grow, it’s a great choice for landscapers who want something that not only looks good but is also easy to grow.
It is available in a range of different varieties, including different colors such as purple, pink, white, and blue. The plant needs moderate sun exposure and grows very well in partial shade.
The climbing Hydrangea needs moist and acidic soil to grow well. The climbing Hydrangea is also relatively easy to care for, and you don’t have to spend a great deal of money on the whole thing.
3 – Vinca Minor
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca Minor, is a common fast growing shade vine. Many people consider the Vinca Minor to be an invasive vine in some situations, but it’s not very difficult to control.
When grown around the landscape, controlling the growth of the periwinkle is not that complicated and the vine produces beautiful blue flowers. Many gardeners will tell you that the periwinkle is a fantastic plant to grow under the partial shade of the tree.
This is generally a challenging place to grow vines in, but the Periwinkle isn’t a problem. Vinca Minor also offers groundcover and is drought tolerant. This makes it quite easy to grow among large trees that suck up all of the water from the ground.
However, you should know that unlike most other plants mentioned in this article, the periwinkle is not an avid climber. But, if you are able to control the periwinkle and do not mind its rapid growth, you will be able to decorate these spaces in a beautiful manner.
The periwinkle can grow in sandy, clay, or normal soil. It is available in white, purple, blue, or a gorgeous shade of lavender. The periwinkle grows best in USDA growing zones 4 through 8.
4 – Trumpet Vine
The trumpet vine is a beautiful vine that, if grown properly, will give off stunning orange flowers even when it is kept in limited shade. The plant also attracts a great deal of hummingbirds, as they particularly adore the nectar.
However, this vine is quite aggressive, and it won’t be long before offshoots start growing around the yard. These offshoots are a bit difficult to control because uprooting them requires a considerable amount of force.
The trumpet vine grows best in USDA growing zones 4 through 9, and there are several color varieties such as yellow, red, and orange. It does well in partial shade and does quite well in full sun.
The plant also requires well-drained soil so you will have to check the moisture content in the soil on a regular basis. If you are able to grow the trumpet vine properly and get rid of the offshoots, the vine will grow with considerable ease.
5 – Chinese Wisteria
The Chinese wisteria is a popular shade vine that is native in several of the Northern parts of America. There is also another variant; the American Wisteria, though this one does not flower when grown in partial shade.
However, the Chinese Wisteria grows just as well in the shade and it also produces some beautiful flowers when it’s grown in the shade. However, many people consider the plant to be slightly invasive, so you will have to care for it regularly.
The Chinese Wisteria requires care and if you are growing the vine on a wall or using supporting wires, it is recommended that you call a gardener or a landscaping professional to your place to prune the vines from time to time.
6 – Emerald Gaiety Euonymus
The Emerald Gaiety is a foliage vine that can grow in the form of a shrub or a vine. You can grow it as groundcover, or you can also plant it as a hedge. The Emerald Gaiety is also easily distinguishable from other plants.
The plant has variegated leaves that tend to grow in a white or green pattern. Shade isn’t much of a problem for the vine, so it grows quite well without the sun, though you have to think about the invasiveness of the plant.
The emerald gaiety is relatively invasive and you will have to pay attention to the rate of growth. The plant grows quite well in well-drained soil and grows beautifully in USDA growing zones 5 to 8.
These are just some of the most popular fast growing shade vines that you can choose from. Remember, most of these vines are generally difficult to manage because they need constant attention.
You have to make sure that you call a gardener from time to time to prune the vines and prevent them from overgrowth. Don’t just ignore these vines because they will take up a lot of space very quickly!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.
Before you go: Now is the perfect time to start tracking your gardening progress, and I created a garden journal to do exactly that. Click the image below to see it in action and to get your own copy.
