Will Clematis Grow On A North Facing Wall

Clematis will grow on a north facing wall, and it can actually thrive there with the right choice of variety.
 
If you’ve been asking whether clematis will grow on a north facing wall, the short answer is a confident yes.
 
However, growing clematis on a north facing wall isn’t quite the same as planting it in a sunny border, so you’ll need to pick your species carefully.
 
Many gardeners assume a north facing wall is a death sentence for flowering climbers, but that’s simply not true.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why clematis will grow on a north facing wall, which varieties are best, and how to give them the best possible start.
 
Let’s dive into the world of shade-loving clematis and turn that cool, shadowy wall into a vertical masterpiece.
 

Why Clematis Will Grow On A North Facing Wall

The main reason clematis will grow on a north facing wall comes down to their natural woodland origins.
 
Many clematis species evolved on the edges of forests, scrambling up trees and shrubs where they received dappled light rather than full sun.
 
These plants are perfectly adapted to lower light levels, making a north facing wall a surprisingly suitable home.
 
Here’s what you need to understand about why clematis will grow on a north facing wall:
 

1. Roots Stay Cool and Happy

Clematis are notorious for wanting their roots in the shade while their heads reach for the sun.
 
A north facing wall naturally keeps the soil at the base cooler and moister, which is exactly what clematis roots crave.
 
This cool root run is one of the biggest reasons clematis will grow on a north facing wall without the stress of baking afternoon heat.
 
In fact, many gardeners struggle to grow clematis on a south facing wall because the roots overheat, but you won’t have that problem on the north side.
 

2. Dappled Light Mimics Their Natural Home

When you think about it, a north facing wall doesn’t mean total darkness.
 
It receives soft, indirect light for much of the day, especially during the summer months when the sun arcs higher in the sky.
 
This gentle illumination is very similar to the dappled shade of a woodland canopy.
 
So yes, clematis will grow on a north facing wall because they’re genetically programmed to cope with this kind of light exposure.
 

3. The Soil Stays Moist for Longer

North facing walls are often sheltered from the drying effects of direct sun and wind.
 
This means the soil doesn’t dry out as quickly as it would in a sunny border.
 
Clematis are thirsty plants, so this consistent moisture is another key reason why clematis will grow on a north facing wall.
 
You’ll find you don’t need to water as frequently, though you should still check regularly during dry spells.
 

Best Clematis Varieties For A North Facing Wall

While clematis will grow on a north facing wall, not every variety will perform equally well.
 
You need to be selective and choose types that are known for tolerating shadier conditions.
 
Here are the top performers that will reward you with plenty of flowers on that cooler wall:
 

1. Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala

These are early-flowering, small-flowered types that are absolutely perfect for a north facing wall.
 
They bloom in spring with delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink.
 
They’re tough, hardy, and very forgiving of lower light levels.
 

2. Clematis montana

If you want vigorous coverage, Clematis montana is a fantastic choice for a north facing wall.
 
This one is a real powerhouse, growing quickly and smothering the wall with masses of small flowers in late spring.
 
It’s one of the most reliable options because it doesn’t demand full sun to flower abundantly.
 

3. Clematis viticella

These late-flowering varieties are also excellent for north facing walls.
 
They bloom from mid-summer into autumn, providing color when the spring bloomers have finished.
 
Look for tough cultivars like ‘Polish Spirit’ or ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ which are known to perform well with less direct sun.
 

4. Spring-Flowering Evergreen Types

Clematis cirrhosa varieties can also work, though they need a sheltered spot to protect their foliage in winter.
 
They offer the bonus of winter and early spring flowers, which is a real treat on a north facing wall.
 
Just make sure the wall is not too exposed to harsh, freezing winds.
 

How To Plant Clematis On A North Facing Wall

Getting the planting right is crucial if you want your clematis to grow on a north facing wall successfully.
 
Follow these steps to give your plant the best chance of establishing and flowering well:
 

1. Dig a Generous Hole

Prepare the soil thoroughly before planting.
 
Dig a hole that’s at least 18 inches deep and wide to loosen the soil and allow roots to spread easily.
 
Mix in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
 

2. Plant Deep

This is a crucial step that many gardeners miss.
 
Plant the clematis deeper than it was in the pot, burying the bottom set of leaf nodes.
 
This encourages the plant to grow from below the soil surface, protecting against wilt and encouraging a bushier habit.
 

3. Provide Support

Clematis don’t cling by themselves, they need something to scramble up.
 
Fix a trellis, wires, or a wooden obelisk to the north facing wall before planting.
 
Make sure the support is strong enough to hold the weight of a mature, fully grown plant.
 

4. Water Regularly and Mulch

Water your new clematis deeply and regularly for the first year until it’s established.
 
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to lock in moisture and keep the roots cool.
 
Remember, the roots on a north facing wall are already at an advantage, but they still need consistent care.
 

Care Tips For Clematis On A North Facing Wall

Once your clematis is growing on a north facing wall, ongoing care is relatively simple.
 
Pruning needs depend on the variety you’ve chosen, so always check the specific group your clematis belongs to.
 
For spring bloomers like alpina and montana, you’ll only need to prune lightly after flowering to keep them tidy.
 
For late-flowering viticella types, cut them back hard in late winter to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.
 
Feed your clematis with a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer to keep it healthy and flowering well.
 
Regular watering is less critical once established, but you should still water deeply during prolonged dry periods.
 

So, Will Clematis Grow On A North Facing Wall?

Clematis will grow on a north facing wall, absolutely.
 
With the right variety selection, careful planting, and a little ongoing care, you can enjoy a stunning display of flowers even in the shadiest spot of your garden.
 
The key is to embrace the unique conditions of a north facing wall and choose plants that are naturally suited to them.
 
So don’t write off that cool, shadowy wall just yet.
 
It might just become your favorite spot for growing clematis.
 
By understanding why clematis will grow on a north facing wall and following the tips above, you’re well on your way to a lush, vertical garden that thrives where others have failed.
 
Now get out there, pick a shade-loving clematis, and give that north facing wall the attention it deserves.