What climbers grow in total shade?

Hi, I'm new to gardening and need some help. I am looking for an evergreen climber to cover a long, ugly fence. But all the climbers I can find seem to need at least partial sun. Has anyone had success growing a large, fast-growing evergreen climber in these conditions? I have small children so dont' want anything with poison berries - and if possible would like something quite light coloured to brighten up the area Thanks!

 

It sounds boring, but ivy is the obvious choice for a difficult patch. It'll thrive where other things would struggle and it's evergreen. Hedera 'Goldheart' has pretty variegated leaves which add a splash of colour to a dark corner.

 

Ivy maybe? Variegated one perhaps. Not sure its "fast" in total shade, but then its probably not slow either.

In terms of poisonous my approach has been to educate our children. There isn't much in the garden that is going to do anything other than upset their stomachs, but having said that there are a significant large number of plants that will do that - so keeping them all out of the garden, and where the children visit, is a tough call!

 

You beat me to it!

 

I think Ivy too - you can get some nice variegated ones.
You could try planting a bit of honeysuckle in with it. Total shade might not be its preferred condition but I think it would survive, do a few flowers and give you some nice scent.

 

The climbing hydrangeas will do it, not sure that the fence would be strong enough though.

 

Good suggestion Lollipop.
I didn't think of it because I had one on a north facing wall which grew so slowly - but it was planted in rubbish and totally neglected. With a little bit more care it might have been great - but we had a million other things to do at the time, like make a room fit to sit down in.
I've seen some great ones that were better loved.

 

Honeysuckle, Lonicera Henryii is evergreen,:gnthb:

 

I have both types growing on walls, one north facing one east facing and I used a suggestion of Marleys-watered chicken poo pellets and gave it plenty of watering-they have prospered from this care and done much better than I expected. I think tyou are right they need good soil and plenty of feed and care to thrive. The fence is the issue with my suggestion. I hope it is sturdy enough.

 

Don't be to concerned Fiona because a lot of plants will do ok on a north facing fence if it's not too tall. As folk have suggested Ivy grows as quick as anything. Some Jasmine and Clematis varieties do well also but need time to grow....but worth it.

 

Jasmine isn`t a climber, though.:gnthb:

 

Nope a shrub for growing up walls and fences. I should really pay attention!!

 

At least you know, Rob, not many people do. It`s actually a wall shrub. As you say, it needs support.:gnthb::hehe::hehe:

 

Honeysuckle will do OK. Or Jasmine - which is of course a climber (sigh)

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Or perhaps you could go for a shrub / hedge to just hide the whole fence, like Prunus laurocerasus or Kerria japonica? That stuff will grow in Chernobyl, never mind full shade!

 

Thanks so much, these are great suggestions. I will look up all these plants. I actually didn't know the difference between climbers and wall shrubs - I am perfectly happy with a wall shrub.

Thanks again, you are a tremendously helpful bunch!