The clematis is a clinging vine suitable for a courtyard space.
The problem of landscaping a courtyard is finding plants that thrive in a sheltered spot without outgrowing the space. Perennials, including small trees and shrubs, provide the structure in a courtyard garden. Along with these, comfortable seating, flowering annuals in large pots and a bubbling wall fountain make a courtyard feel inviting. Does this Spark an idea?
Clematis
Since space is limited inside a courtyard, think vertically. Place a trellis or lattice against one wall and plant a climbing clematis (Ranunculacea) at its base. Clematis, often called queen of climbers, has many varieties with trumpet-shaped flowers of white, pink, mauve, purple, lavender, yellow or blue. This perennial thrives when the vine is in full sun and the roots are cool and shaded. Most grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 and can reach 15 feet tall. Some species are evergreen.
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple Red Pygmy (Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy') is considered a miniature tree by some gardeners and a large shrub by others. This perennial slowly grows to a mature height of about 4 feet, making it a good fit for a courtyard. Its purple-red lacy leaves form a mound, giving it a shrub-like appearance. Plant it in full sun in a sheltered spot. It's hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
Hostas
If your courtyard is shaded for part of the day or has dappled shade all day long, any variety of hosta is an option. The prominent foliage is the star of this perennial. It is part of the Liliaceae family and hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. Colors range from variegated lime-green and white, to blue-green. Sizes can range from 6 inches tall to 3 feet tall and wide. In summer, tiny bell-shaped flowers appear on stems emerging from the foliage.
Tags: Hardiness Zones, Plant Hardiness, Plant Hardiness Zones, feet tall, hardy USDA