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Fast Growing Vines For Shade

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published January 30, 2025

Fast growing vines can significantly transform your outdoor space, bringing beauty and much-needed shade on hot summer days. These versatile plants are perfect for covering fences and thrive in shaded conditions. This guide will give some tips to help you grow vines.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Vines?

Choosing fast growing vines offers numerous benefits for gardeners and homeowners. First and foremost, these vines help create lush green spaces in a short amount of time. They rapidly cover large areas, providing a natural way to shade patios, decks or other outdoor spaces. 

Moreover, they act as natural barriers against unsightly views, enhancing the aesthetic of your yard. Many of these vines thrive in partial to full shade, making them adaptable to various garden settings.  

Types of Fast-Growing Vines for Shade

When selecting vines for shade, you must consider their growth habits, care requirements and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the options: 

Clematis

Clematis is a popular choice known for its stunning, vibrant flowers, which come in various colors, including purple, pink and white. This vine thrives in partial shade and prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Clematis can grow quickly, reaching heights of 6 to 15 feet, depending on the variety. Regular pruning encourages new growth and blooms and ensures an impressive display throughout the growing season.

Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper is a vigorous, fast-growing vine celebrated for its stunning fall colors. That ranges from fiery reds to deep purples. It adapts well to different light conditions, including full shade, making it an excellent choice for less sunny areas of your garden. This fast-growing vine can reach lengths of up to 50 feet, making it perfect for covering fences, walls or even trees. Virginia creepers require minimal care and can tolerate poor soil. That makes it a low-maintenance option for any garden. 

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle vines are renowned for their fragrant flowers, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. These vines thrive in both sun and shade, offering versatility in their planting options. Fast-growing honeysuckle can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet, making it a perfect candidate for fences and trellises. With its sweet scent and beautiful blooms, honeysuckle creates a lovely atmosphere in any garden.

Wisteria

Wisteria is an enchanting vine that produces cascading clusters of flowers in shades of blue, purple or white. Wisteria grows rapidly, reaching impressive heights of up to 30 feet, making it ideal for creating stunning, shaded areas. However, its weight requires sturdy support, such as a well-constructed arbor or trellis. It makes it the perfect fast-growing vine for fences.

Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet potato vines are known for their attractive foliage, which comes in vibrant green and purple variegated varieties. They thrive in partial shade and grow quickly, reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet. These vines add color and texture to your garden while also being an excellent choice for containers. Their rapid growth makes them perfect for covering bare areas quickly.

Black-eyed Susan Vine

Black-eyed Susan Vine offers bright yellow flowers that can liven up any garden space. This charming vine thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, making it adaptable. Fast-growing black-eyed Susan can reach heights of up to 6 feet, making it perfect for fences and trellises. Its cheerful blooms attract pollinators and add vibrancy to your outdoor space.

Scarlet Runner Bean

Scarlet runner beans provide beautiful red flowers and produce edible beans. This fast-growing vine reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet, making it ideal for creating a living screen or covering a trellis. The vibrant flowers are a great addition to any garden.

Factors to Consider for Growing Vines in Shade

Growing vines in shaded areas can be rewarding if you follow some essential tips:


  1. Choose the Right Location: Selecting the right spot is crucial for the success of your vines. Aim for an area with partial to full shade. Observe the light patterns in your garden to ensure your vines receive some sunlight each day. 
  2. Provide Support: Fast-growing vines require sturdy support structures. Use trellises, fences or arbors for support. Install these supports before planting your vines to ensure they have the proper guidance as they grow. 
  3. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water your vines deeply, especially during dry spells. To promote healthy growth and encourage deep-rooted development. 
  4. Prune Wisely: Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and abundant blooms. Remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation and prevent diseases. Ensuring a healthier plant overall. 
  5. Fertilize Appropriately: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plants. 

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