Shade Vines & Zone 8

Types and Size

• Hailing from Asia, the Dentata Variegata cultivar of Bullock's heart ivy grows to 40 feet long in zone 8 shade. Another non-native vine is English ivy, capable of growing to lengths sometimes approaching 80 feet. Moonlight and Roseum are two Japanese hydrangea vines with 30-foot-long potential. Zone 8 is the warmest zone that the parent species grows in, but these cultivars tolerate the warmth of zone 9 as well. The petiolaris subspecies of climbing hydrangea is an Asian native, growing to 50 feet; the Miranda cultivar grows to the same length.

Features

• English ivy is an evergreen vine, with leathery foliage. The adult vines generate a small black fruit. Huge heart-shaped leaves with green interiors and yellow borders highlight Dentata Variegata. The Japanese hydrangea vines feature toothed, heart-shaped foliage that reach lengths of 5 inches. These vines produce clusters of white blossoms in summer. Climbing hydrangea, in addition to its white flowers in May, has attractive, peeling red-brown bark that gives it winter interest.

Uses

• The shady sides of buildings are suitable venues for English ivy, notes the University of Connecticut Plant Database. The Japanese hydrangea vine fulfills similar needs, as does the climbing hydrangea. These vines also are appropriate as ground cover; use them to conceal rock piles or stumps, advises the Missouri Botanical Garden. Dentata Variegata is extremely versatile. Plant it in the shade where grass struggles to grow and it covers the ground. It also serves to deter erosion on slopes, and it is a vine suitable for hanging baskets.

Growing Tips

• Dentata Variegata is very much at home in zone 8. It thrives in well-draining soil. The Japanese hydrangea vine spreads out in such a manner, that by placing individual plants from 6 to 9 feet apart, you can cover an entire wall with them. The hottest, most humid portions of zone 8 affect the growth and vitality of the climbing hydrangea. The English ivy is tolerant of heavy pruning, which comes in handy because of its potential to spread.