The chalk hill web site has a list of clematis that will grow in partial shade. I have a hagley hybrid that is partly shaded and it does very well. I picked up a carnaby a couple of years ago and read that it fades badly in the sun so I have it in a spot where it is completely shaded during the day and gets about an hour of the last sunlight of the day. Here's a picture. You can see the trunk of the tree in my neighbors yard that shades it all day.
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Bob...How Stunning!!..Jeanne

Thanks Jeanne. It's been a pleasant surprise. One of those picked up for a bargain at a big box store. I wasn't sure it would do anything in this spot.

Hi Tinylady,
I'm no expert, but in my searching for one that does well in shade, I've seen Silver Moon mentioned alot. I don't have one yet, but have ordered one for a very shady spot in my yard.

Bob that is BEAUTIFUL!! May I ask what type of fern is that growing at the base of the clematis? I like the look! May I also ask what zone are you in?
TIA!
Gayle

I'm in zone 9 and what looks like a fern in the picture is dicentra (bleeding heart).

That is beautifull. I love their colorfull flowers. I have one over my mail box now that takes up the whole thing when in full growth. This the first year I did not prune it. I will see what happens. Also can you take a cutting from them to start another?
My back yard is shaded a lot. I am outlined in trees.It gets about 3-4 hours of light. I want more color back there that is why I was thinking of clemtis on an trellis or arbor.

Hi there.
I am in zone 9 (Phoenix) and clematis sure can grow in partial shade. In fact, they seem to do better there. I have several on a north facing wall that get no direct sun, but do get some reflected bright light. I just planted them in the fall and all but 1 of the 4 have buds already - florida var. sieboldiana, 'Rhapsody', and 'Perle d'Azur'. I got them from Chalk Hill Clematis, 24 total, and I am very exicted that I can grow them here!

Bob's HH rocks! I tried one of those in a sunny location in my zone and it faded right out to dull pink. So I got a 'Pink Champagne-Kakio' and it hasn't been doing anything for the past 2 years. I have two white clematis 'Alabast' in same shade/late afternoon sun situation as described by Bob that are sold as shade tolerant. These also haven't done much yet but I am ever hopeful.

Wow Bob, that's a real show stopper! Guess there's hope for me having one after all.

Thanks!

Suzi