Plants for north-facing walls can turn a challenging area into a stunning feature. Many plants flourish in low-light conditions, including foliage and some floral options like specific roses, clematis, and honeysuckle.
These walls typically receive minimal sunlight, especially in winter, but this doesn't mean they have to be lifeless spots in your garden. The key is finding the right shade-loving plants, which have adapted to thrive in lower light while still producing food for survival.
"Growing areas near north-facing walls are darker and tend to be colder than other parts of the garden. Additionally, the soil can be dry since rainwater may not easily reach it," says a gardening expert.
When planting near a wall, leave a gap of about 1.5 feet from the base to allow for slightly more moisture from rainfall.
11 Plants for North-Facing Walls
While climbing varieties are a common choice, some shrubs for shade can also be trained to grow vertically. Most of these require support to climb upward and spread out.
Using wooden or wire trellises, or long wires for plants to cling to, is essential for transforming a north-facing wall into an attractive shade garden.
1. Chocolate Vine
- Hardiness: USDA 4-9
- Height: 33ft
- Spread: 6.6ft
- Best for: exotic appeal
This interesting plant, Akebia quinata, boasts exotic cup-shaped flowers in dark purple that emit a delightful chocolate scent. Ideal for concealing a wall, it climbs using self-twining tendrils but should start with a support structure like taut wires.
For limited spaces, prune after flowering; otherwise, let it flourish.
Shop Wooden Trellis
60 in. H Expandable Bamboo Trellis
A cost-effective option for supporting fast-growing climbers, though you might prefer something decorative while the plants are bare.
VIVOHOME Pack of 2 Wood Planter Raised Beds with Trellis, 60 Inch Height Free-Standing Planter for Garden Yard
If soil near your north-facing wall isn't suitable, consider this trellis planter.
Greenes Fence 21.5-in W x 47.75-in H Natural Cedar Fence Garden Trellis (2-Pack)
This can be easily pushed into soft ground without complex installation.
2. Virginia Creeper
- Hardiness: USDA 3-9
- Height: up to 50ft
- Spread: up to 16ft
- Best for: covering large areas
This fast-growing plant features dense green foliage in spring and summer that turns a vibrant crimson in fall. It's deciduous but can be paired with evergreen English ivy for year-round coverage.
After about two years, it requires regular pruning to manage its growth. It's excellent for adding greenery to large walls or front garden spaces.
3. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
- Hardiness: USDA 5-7
- Height: 50ft (15m)
- Spread: 26ft (8m)
- Best for: floral elegance
This climbing plant showcases large white lacey flowers on heart-shaped leaves. A true shade-lover, it may take time to establish but can cover walls using tiny roots that sprout when touching another surface, eliminating the need for wires.
The foliage turns a golden yellow in fall, and during winter, the dried flower heads remain attractive. This perennial prefers rich, well-drained soil.
4. English Ivy
- Hardiness: USDA to zone 4
- Height: 26-39ft
- Spread: 13ft
- Best for: fast, easy coverage
Despite its bad reputation for taking over gardens, ivy is one of the best options for quickly covering a wall. When controlled, it creates an attractive backdrop and attracts beneficial insects.
There are numerous varieties, including variegated types that add color to dull areas. If you need to trim it back, do so in early spring.
5. Euonymus 'fortunei'
- Hardiness: USDA 4-9
- Height: 1-2ft
- Spread: 3-4ft
- Best for: low maintenance coverage
This evergreen shrub can grow vertically against a wall when given support. The foliage is striking, especially the Emerald 'n Gold Wintercreeper variety, which features bright leaves that enhance dark areas.
6. Fatsia Japonica
- Hardiness: USDA 8-10
- Height: 12ft
- Spread: 12ft
- Best for: growing in a pot
This bushy shrub thrives against a north-facing wall and can also flourish in a container, showcasing its large, glossy green leaves. It produces small white flowers in mid-fall and has a variety with white-edged leaves for added visual interest.
7. Honeysuckle
- Hardiness: USDA 4-9
- Height: varies according to species
- Spread: varies according to species
- Best for: creating a cottage garden look
Known for its vigorous growth, honeysuckle produces fragrant flowers throughout summer in various colors. Varieties like 'Goldflame' offer vivid orange and yellow blooms with a lovely scent.
These climbers require supports to thrive, as they can become top-heavy. Some varieties are evergreen, while others are semi-deciduous, so check labels for year-round coverage.
8. Silk-Tassel Bush (Garrya elliptica)
- Hardiness: USDA 8-10
- Height: 13ft
- Spread: 13ft
- Best for: winter interest
This evergreen shrub features wavy gray-green leaves and displays unique silvery catkins during winter to early spring. Hardy and adaptable, it can thrive in semi-exposed or sheltered spots when planted in well-drained soil.
9. Climbing and Rambling Roses
'Mortimer Sackler' rose
- Hardiness: USDA 4-10, varies by type
- Height: varies by type
- Spread: varies by type
- Best for: romantic garden style
Some roses can adapt to shady spots against north-facing walls. While most require sunlight, varieties like Claire Austin and Mortimer Sackler can manage with partial shade.
Roses need care, including biannual feeding and regular pruning.
10. Clematis 'Niobe'
- Hardiness: USDA 4-9
- Height: 6-8ft
- Spread: 1.5-2ft
- Best for: rich color
This striking clematis features large red flowers against dark green leaves, blooming throughout summer. It's not the only clematis suitable for shade, but it's particularly stunning.
11. Fatshedera Lizei (Fat-Headed Lizzie)
- Hardiness: USDA 7-10
- Height: 4.9-8.2ft
- Spread: 4.9-8.2ft
- Best for: stylish courtyard solution
This unique architectural plant, a hybrid of ivy and fatsia, features glossy leaves and small greenish-white flowers. It can be grown in pots or the ground but requires training to climb a vertical structure.
How to Plant Against a North-Facing Wall?
To achieve the best results with plants for north-facing walls, proper placement is crucial.
When planting in the ground, ensure your plants are 20 inches away from walls to receive adequate rain and space to establish roots.
Support is also necessary, which can include wooden trellises or wires to tie in the plants as they grow.
With careful selection, you can create a vibrant shade garden by planting along a north-facing wall. Consider our recommendations for plants thriving under trees for additional inspiration.
