woman with a flower
Planting a clematis in the wrong place leads to a weak and unhealthy plant. Most clematis plants require full sun, but there are varieties that do well in partial shade. It’s important to look for shade-loving cultivars when choosing a clematis for a shady spot. The species itself contains more than 250 varieties, and horticulturists often create cultivars or cultivated varieties, adding new options to choose from. The best way to choose clematis for shade is to select a cultivated variety that is identified as shade-loving and purchase it from a reputable nursery or mail-order plant supplier.
The amount of sun an area in a garden receives affects the type of plant that will flourish there. Most clematis require a well-exposed spot in the sun to grow well. Full sun is considered six hours or more a day. Part sun is different from part shadow. Part of the sun is considered four to six hours and part of the shade is considered two to four hours.
Shade-loving clematis varieties require some shade. Through the process of selective breeding, these varieties developed sensitivity to the sun. When planted in full sun, a shaded clematis can scorch the leaves and damage the flowers. Although listed as shade loving, most of these clematis varieties need some sun. They are commonly listed as being suitable for partial toning.
Some varieties of shade clematis do not tolerate direct sunlight well and are better suited to full shade. An example of a clematis that tolerates full shade is the cultivar “Sugar Candy” Clematis. This variety blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season and prefers a spot out of direct sunlight. The Clematis cultivar “Silver Moon” can grow in partial or full shade.
It’s easiest to choose clematis for shady areas that get at least two hours of sunlight a day or that get spotted or filtered sunlight. Some varieties that grow best in partial shade or partial sun include “Nelly Moser”, “Hagley Hybrid”, “Multi-Blue”, “Hybrida Sieboldiana” and “Pink Flamingo”. The list of possibilities is long. The best way to select clematis for shade is to consult a local nursery. Internet vendors and mail order companies offer catalogs and websites that list clematis varieties along with the sun requirements for each.
Sun and shade clematis are vines that grow well as a ground cover or climb a wall, trellis, or other structure. Air circulation is important when growing clematis to minimize insect infestations and fungal problems. Deep, humus-rich soil with a potent hydrogen level (pH) of around 7.0 is ideal. Clematis plants benefit from a 5cm (2in) layer of mulch over the area around the roots to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
