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_30.gif)
Friday - December 21, 2012
From: San Anselmo, CA
Region: California
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Vines
Title: Vine for complete shade in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm looking for a vine to put over my back door which is in complete shade.ANSWER:
There aren't too many vines that are native to your part of California that will grow in complete shade, but here are four attractive ones that will.
Clematis ligusticifolia (Western white clematis) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and Yerba Buena Nursery in Woodside and from Bay Natives Nursery in San Francisco.
Lathyrus vestitus (Pacific pea) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Bay Natives Nursery in San Francisco.
Lonicera hispidula (Pink honeysuckle) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Yerba Buena Nursery and Bay Natives Nursery.
Lonicera ciliosa (Orange honeysuckle) Here are photos and more information from CalFlora and from Seven Oaks Native Nursery near Albany, Oregon. This one occurs a bit further north than Marin County but would probably do well there.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Propagation of blackberry from Williamsport PA
January 18, 2014 - I have been told that if you cut a branch off of a black berry bush and stick it in water for a few days, and then put it in the ground it will grow into another bush. Please tell me if this is true a...
view the full question and answer
Control of grapevines in trees
June 15, 2007 - Grapevines have overtaken some of the trees on our property in Central Texas. What is the best way to get rid of the grapevines and (hopefully) save the trees?
view the full question and answer
Vine to cover concrete retaining wall in Georgetown TX
March 02, 2013 - I have an unsightly concrete retaining wall and culvert covers that require fast coverage from a vine of some sort. The plant must be deer resistant and drought tolerant. The retaining wall and culv...
view the full question and answer
Non-flowering deciduous vine for Phoenix AZ
March 27, 2011 - Are there any non-flowering deciduous vines native to the Southwest? I'd like to plant them to shade our windows in the hot Phoenix summers. If only perennials are available, can I cut it back each w...
view the full question and answer
Vines non-poisonous to dogs from Madison WI
June 09, 2013 - Are there any vines or crawlers that are non poisonous to dogs? Everything I am finding is poisonous, I want to plant some vines up a fence on their kennel run.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |