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 tolerant evergreens for privacy shield in Louisville KY
March 10, 2014 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Our property is adjacent to the highway for ~ 200ft. I'm looking for partial-to-full shade tolerant evergreens that will grow to be relatively tall. Our soil is clay and g...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant privacy fence for shade in Hill Country
April 28, 2009 - I am looking for a shrub to plant along a privacy fence that gets 8+ feet tall, fast growing, preferably native, deer resistant, and can tolerate mostly shade. I reside in the Hill Country area. Tha...
view the full question and answer
Plants for under Oak Trees in LA.
March 05, 2013 - What type of plants and grass can be planted under and around oak trees
view the full question and answer
Native plants for part shade in North Carolina
February 07, 2009 - I'm thinking about planting a border in front of my house. It's on the north side, so it's fairly shady. One of the main problems with this is that I don't like many common shade plants, so it's ...
view the full question and answer
Shade, Heat, Drought and Acidic Soil Tolerant Perennials for Las Vegas?
November 28, 2015 - What can I grow under my pine trees that is shade and heat (and acidity) tolerant? I live in Las Vegas, NV and would like perennials to plant under my pine trees.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |