Does anyone know of a flowering vine that will grow on the north side of my house in the sub-tropical Houston area?

Here is a good place to get started...

Perennial Plants Suitable for Growing in Garden areas which lack Sunshine

Hi Macree,
Welcome to the forum. Don't know how it would do on a north-facing wall, but a friend of mine has a Comtesse du Bouchard clematis growing in dappled shade that's doing very nicely.

Thanks much. It's worth a try.

I looked around on the net and found several other things that will grow in shade--BUT--further investigation proved that you most likely wouldn't want them within a mile of your yard! They will put out suckers that will take over your yard and will grow to heights of 50-80 feet! Unless someone has a better idea, believe I'd try the clematis

Marleine

Clematis needs some sun or at least bright light to flower. If the plant is put at the northwest corner of the house where it gets afternoon sun it should do well. Clematis will not thrive and will have sporadic flowering if it is sited in full shade. That has been my experience in my yard.

Consider: Keeping a space between the house and the structure the vine will grow on. Prevents mold formation and insect problems.

yes, clematis need sun...their roots need to be kept cool, tho. so, if it's a really sunny spot, you'll need to plant something directly in front of the roots or cover the spot that gets the sun with a large and thick rock.

check out vines for hot climates

Here's some also from Bills' main pages of
The Garden Helper..
Care and Culture of Clematis Plants
also...
Propagating Clematis by Softwood Cuttings