Evergreen Clematis for Part Shade?

13 years ago

I am new to growing clematis, although the house I just moved into has 2 clematis vines growing around back (yay!). I've enclosed a picture of the front of our new house. I'd like to plant evergreen clematis on either side of the front door, right next to the japonica fatsia, and train it to go up and over the front door (meeting under the rain gutter). This spot gets morning sun and some nice indirect sun. I live in SC, where it gets pretty hot in the summer, and we've got clay soil, but I plan on amending. I want something that flowers sometimes (color - prefer white) but has pretty green leaves the rest of the year, and something that produces a lot of leaves to cover that space, and someone recommended evergreen clematis. Which variety do you think would do well in the situation I described?

Thanks so much!

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
13 years ago
You are somewhat limited in your choices :-) There are only a few varieties of evergreen clematis and fewer still that would tolerate that situation. I'd look at Clematis armandii, which is pretty much the standard variety. Blooms in early spring with fragrant white (sometimes blush pink) flowers. And one of the most shade tolerant of any clems.

This is a big, robust vine. More than one in that location would swamp your entry. I'd chose one for one side, plant, provide some sort of trellising to guide it upwards, then string nylon twine or fishing line across the eave to support it and then let it cascade down the opposite side.
bosewichte
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the advice! I will give it a try!
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bosewichte
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the advice! I will give it a try!
jennyboof
12 years ago
I planted an evergreen clematis last spring and it did very well over the summer-I live in Seattle,WA. But this spring the leaves are brown/some dying off and it does not show any new growth or flowers-do I cut it completely back now and see what happens??
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 years ago
If all the leaves are brown and you do not see any new growth, then it is possible your vine did not survive winter. And flowering is over by this point in time in our area. Sometimes Clematis armandii are difficult to establish :-( It certainly won't hurt to cut it back and it may just help. If still viable, it should respond soon with new growth. Keep the plant properly watered during the summer and it won't hurt to mulch with compost, either.