GardenSMART :: 5 Perfect Plants for a North-Facing Wall
5 Perfect Plants for a North-Facing Wall
By Kate Karam, Monrovia
Photographs courtesy of Monrovia
There are plenty of really beautiful (and surprising) plants that not only thrive in the gloomy, dark, cool, and typically dry conditions of a north-facing wall, but many bloom up a storm, too. Some are natural climbers, while others are shrubs that you either leave alone to sprawl or prune to grow against a wall.
If this sounds familiar–the only time your north-facing wall gets any direct sunlight is in the first and last few hours of the day at midsummer–then take a look at these five easy-to-grow favorites.
Native to the mountains of central Europe and northeastern Asia, it's no wonder it can cope with growing in challenging conditions. Covered in masses of nodding deep blue blooms in late spring. Train on a wall or let it wend and weave through nearby shrubs or trees. Zone: 3 – 9
Invaluable for early spring color, Japanese quince is an incredibly easy shrub to grow. It's tolerant of virtually any soil and waterwise once established. (This flowering shrub also does well in east-facing conditions). Zone: 5 – 9
Self-clinging by nature, this extremely rare selection lights up a north-facing wall with shimmering foliage and creamy white flowers in flattened flowerheads in midsummer. Zone: 6 – 9
Camellias are an excellent option for growing against north facing walls in a protected spot as they're shielded from the morning sun that can burn blooms. Sparkling white, double flowers come on mid-winter. Zone: 8 – 10
This luxuriously fast-growing climber is commonly known as the chocolate vine, due to the intensely-colored, aromatic blooms. Climbs and twines to cover a wall (may require support such as a trellis or sturdy twine strung horizontally). Zone: 5 – 9
We would love to hear your thoughts on this vexing garden space and if you have questions, email me at [email protected]. For much more about gardening, plants, solutions, and ideas, visit our exciting new blog, Grow Beautifully. While you're there, be sure to sign up for our award-winning monthly newsletter, Plant Savvy.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Photographs courtesy of Suntory Flowers
Planting annual beds of flowers, especially those that are bred to take the summer heat, thereby extending their glory into fall makes a lot of sense.
Click here for an informative article that discusses an economical strategy along with design ideas that can provide color like - a living highlighter. To learn more click here.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
