Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_32.gif)
Wednesday - April 07, 2010
From: Henrico, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Native flowering vine for trellis in shade in Henrico, VA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I live in Henrico, Virginia and have a trellis in a shady area. I am looking for a native vine to grow, preferably one that flowers and attracts birds and/or butterflies. What do you advise?ANSWER:
Since you were not very specific about how shady your area is, we are going to search for vines for your purpose that will tolerate both "shade," less than 2 hours of sun a day, and "part shade," 2 to 6 hours of sun daily. Most flowering plants will get better bloom with an increase of sun, so hopefully you would consider that your space had from 2 to 6 hours of sun a day. From our Recommended Species section, we found the following three vines that grow in or near Henrico County, VA in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. Follow each link to our page on that individual plant to learn more about it.
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) - blooms red, yellow March to June. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: Good twining vine with prominent blooms for full sun. Great for arbors.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Fruits attract quail, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure, Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Nectar Source: yes
Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower) - blooms pink, blue, purple April to September. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: Showy, Blooms ornamental, Ground cover, Arbor, Twines on fences & other plants, Climbs walls & columns
Use Wildlife: Fruit-birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Crimson-patch longwing, Red-banded hairstreak, Julia butterfly, Mexican butterfly.
Nectar Source: yes
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria - blooms white, pink, blue, purple, violet May and June. Benefits:
Use Ornamental: A lovely, aromatic Wisteria native to eastern North American that is less aggressive and less damaging to buildings than the Asian species, but has equally lovely flowers. Can be trained on arbors, walls, and columns.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Marine Blue, Zarucco Duskywing, and skippers
Nectar Source: yes
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Shade Shrubs for a NJ Slope
June 27, 2016 - I live in central NJ and have a 15' shaded slope behind my home with a creek on the bottom. The slope erodes a little every year and I want to plant native plants on the slope to stop the erosion. Wha...
view the full question and answer
Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade native to New York
June 13, 2006 - I am gradually trying to convert my garden to all natives. I am working in a shaded area under a maple tree. Are there any varieties of epimediums/barrenwort or hellebores that are native to the nor...
view the full question and answer
Sedges and ornamentals for shade in Bastrop County
June 20, 2007 - I bought a home in Elgin, TX that was owned by an elderly woman. Most of
the lawn is shaded by elm or pecan trees. In the sunny areas, i got native
wildflowers to grow like lantana and coneflower,...
view the full question and answer
Native moss to fill in between flagstones
April 21, 2008 - I live in Houston and have a long, narrow flagstone path that runs along the east side of the house. I am looking for a native moss that can fill in between the flagstones and will tolerate morning su...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |