Thanks for contacting us about vines that can grow in shade. That’s a tough one. English Ivy is often used, but does not bloom and its color is only green. Many of the leaves stay on all year making the screening more complete all year. Trumpet vine and Virginia Creeper can grow in a fair amount of shade, but the flowers on Trumpet vine and the fall color on Virginia Creeper won’t be as vivid if grown in full shade.

If you have partial shade, there are more options. See this link from New Mexico Extension – their climate and soils are similar to ours. Read through looking for those vines that tolerate shade. These are perennials that will get larger/longer over the years. If you want to see what they look like, search the internet by using the Latin name (listed in the document) so you get the correct plant. Check with local nurseries, too. A good local nursery (vs. the big box stores) will carry plants that are more suited to our climate and soil. Try the Flower Bin and the Tree Farm.

If growing shrubs along that fence in the shade is an option, see the following link: http://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1718-trees-shrubs-shady-areas/

Good luck,

Karin