Hummingbird vine (Anredera cordifolia) is an ornamental and edible vining plant that produces clusters of fragrant white flowers and aerial tubers. It is native to South America but is now grown in many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. Some key points about hummingbird vine:
Can hummingbird vine grow in shade?
Hummingbird vine prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering. However, it can tolerate some partial shade. Here are some more details:
- In its native habitat, hummingbird vine grows best in full sun conditions. This allows the plant to produce abundant flowers and foliage.
- The vine can tolerate a few hours of morning or afternoon shade each day. But prolonged shade will result in reduced flowering and weaker growth.
- Hummingbird vine can survive in light shade but it will likely have sparse blooms and smaller leaves. Flower production and overall vigor will be diminished.
- Deep or dense shade is not recommended for hummingbird vine. The plant will become straggly and have very few flowers in heavy shade.
- Some filtered sun from a light shade tree or structure may be okay. But in general, at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day is best.
So in summary, hummingbird vine will grow in partial or light shade but prefers full sun conditions. For optimal flowering and strong growth, plant hummingbird vine in a spot that receives plenty of direct sunlight. The more sun exposure the better.
Ideal sunlight conditions for hummingbird vine
Here are the ideal sunlight conditions for hummingbird vine:
- At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Morning sun with some afternoon shade is great.
- Can tolerate late afternoon sun with morning shade.
- Full sun all day long is optimal.
- Avoid prolonged periods of deep shade.
- Partial shade under a high, thin canopy may work.
- More sun equals more flowers and faster growth.
When siting hummingbird vine, choose locations that receive as much sunlight as possible. South or west facing spots are ideal. East facing sites also work well. Locations that get sun both in the morning and afternoon are best. Give the vine the maximum sunlight your environment allows.
Growing hummingbird vine in shade
If you must grow hummingbird vine in a shadier spot, here are some tips:
- Provide the brightest light available. Morning sun is better than afternoon shade.
- Prune back excess foliage to allow more light penetration.
- Stake or trellis the vines to encourage upright growth towards the sun.
- Choose white flowering varieties that show up better in low light.
- Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
- Water regularly during droughts and allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Pinch off stem tips to promote bushier, compact growth.
- Be patient! Growth and flowering will be reduced.
While not ideal, hummingbird vine can survive and even flower modestly in shadier conditions. Just don’t expect it to thrive and spread vigorously without adequate sunlight. Provide the brightest location possible and give the plant attentive care when grown in shade.
Varieties that tolerate shade
Some hummingbird vine varieties are more shade tolerant than others. Here are a few to look for if planting in partial shade:
- White Blush – White flowers on green foliage.
- Alba – Pure white blooms on lighter green leaves.
- Green Gold – Chartreuse foliage with white blooms.
- Brasilia – Variegated leaves with white edges.
- Taiwan – Prolific pale pink flowers.
These varieties tend to flower reasonably well with 3-4 hours of sun per day. The lighter flower colors and foliage also show up better in shade. Try one of these more shade-tolerant types if planting in partly sunny locations.
Using a support structure
Using a strong support structure is critical for hummingbird vines grown in shade. The vertical climbing nature of the vine makes it important to provide a trellis, arbor, fence, etc. This allows the plant to grow upwards into sunlight rather than spreading sideways across the ground. Here are some tips for supports:
- Use a sturdy wooden or metal trellis at least 5-6 feet tall.
- A wire cage or obelisk can support vines in a pot or small garden.
- Fence lines, arbors, and overhead structures work well.
- Use twine or soft plant ties to train vines up supports.
- Check ties regularly as the vigorous vine grows.
- Site supports near optimal sun exposure for the vine.
Properly erected supports encourage upright growth and maximize sun exposure. They also display the vine’s flowers beautifully. Invest in quality structures and place them in the best possible light conditions.
Fertilization
Hummingbird vine requires more aggressive fertilization when grown in shade to compensate for lower light levels. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season. Slow release fertilizer spikes can also supplement nutrition. Boosting fertility will stimulate growth and flowering in shadier areas. Just be careful not to over-fertilize which can damage roots and leaves.
Soil needs
Preparing the soil properly will give hummingbird vine the best chance in shady conditions:
- Improve drainage by amending soil with compost or peat moss.
- Add organic material like compost or manure to enrich nutrition.
- pH between 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Test and adjust if needed.
- Make sure soil is loose and friable to allow root penetration.
- Incorporate granular fertilizer into the soil before planting.
- Top dress with fresh compost or mulch after planting.
Taking time to create an optimal soil environment will help offset the stresses of shade. Well-drained, fertile soil gives the vines a healthy start when sunlight is limited.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning and training hummingbird vines is essential for plants in shade:
- Pinch back long, leggy shoots to encourage bushy growth.
- Trim off any weak, damaged, or excessive foliage.
- Train vines along supports towards available sunlight.
- Remove tangled stems and cut back rampant runners.
- Thin congested areas to improve air circulation.
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape growth.
Judicious pruning keeps growth concentrated where sunlight is best. It also eliminates competition from weaker stems and foliage. Maintain pruning through the season for tidier, healthier vines.
Container growing
Growing hummingbird vine in containers allows more control over light exposure:
- Use large pots (15-25 gallons) to support vigorous growth.
- Choose lightweight plastic or resin planters for larger vines.
- Make sure containers have drain holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Situate planters in optimum sun then rotate for even coverage.
- Trellis vines up decorative structures placed nearby.
- Bring potted vines indoors if insufficient sunlight outdoors.
With container culture, you can move plants to capture sunlight or shelter them during harsh weather. Just be diligent about watering and feeding potted vines.
Considerations for growing in shade
When attempting to grow hummingbird vine in shade, keep these important considerations in mind:
- Flowering and growth will be reduced.
- Provide the maximum amount of sunlight possible.
- Morning sun is better than afternoon shade.
- Supplement nutrition to compensate for low light.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot.
- Prune diligently to remove weak growth and open up plant interior.
- Be patient as results will be slower than vines grown in full sun.
- Consider more shade tolerant ornamental vines if light levels are very low.
While hummingbird vine adapts to shade better than most vines, it still thrives best in full sun. Adjust expectations and care routines appropriately to cope with lower light.
Best companion plants
Here are some great shade tolerant companion plants for hummingbird vine:
- Impatiens – Adds color and thrives in shade. Attracts hummingbirds.
- Coleus – Versatile foliage for accent. Tolerant of shade.
- Begonias – Blooms in shade and combines nicely with vines.
- Coral Bells – Heuchera species add texture. Multi-colored leaves.
- Hostas – Reliable and diverse for foliage. Numerous varieties.
- Ferns – Lacy textures. Spread nicely in shade gardens.
- Caladium – Dramatic tropical foliage. Prefers partial shade.
These and other shade lovers help create an attractive garden around hummingbird vines. Choose companions with contrasting textures and colors.
Alternatives for deep shade
Consider these alternatives if your garden has dense, deep shade unsuitable for hummingbird vine:
Vine | Features |
---|---|
Clematis | Diverse blooms. Some clematis tolerate full shade. |
Hollyhock | Tall spires of ruffled flowers. Self-sows. |
Jasmine | Fragrant white flowers. Trails nicely. |
Trumpet Vine | Robust. Showy orange blooms. Needs support. |
Dutchman’s Pipe | Large unique flowers. Full shade okay. |
These vigorous vines will grow and flower successfully in very shady areas. Match the variety to your landscape needs and conditions.
Conclusion
While hummingbird vine thrives best in full sun, it can tolerate partial shade with proper care. Provide the brightest light possible, train vines upward on supports, fertilize generously, and prune back weaker growth. Compact varieties with light colored blooms also help the vine perform better in shade. Plan companions that share the same shade tolerance. With the right conditions, hummingbird vine can add charm and beauty to partially shaded gardens. Just temper expectations for optimal flowering and abundant growth.