Top 5... Climbers for shrubs

Summer-flowering, sun-loving varieties for shrubs large and small

1 Clematis ‘Gravetye Beauty’ Lax-stemmed variety. Red, tulipshaped flowers from July. Weave through supporting shrub. H: 3m (10ft). Tip Prune old growth to ground level in spring.

Fromrom www. thorncroftclematis.co.uk, tel: 01953 850407. 2 Thunbergia ‘Sunset Shades’ Annual climber with twining shoots. Long succession of blossoms in rustic shades until frosts. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip Grow from seed sown in spring. From www. mr-fothergills.co.uk, tel: 0333 777 3936. 3 Ipomoea sloteri Fast-growing, delicately-leaved, annual twiner producing small, bright red flowers throughout summer. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip Grow under glass and plant out after last frost. From www. thompson-morgan.com, t tel:l 0333 400 0033. 4 Eccremocarpus scaber Slender, twining evergreen. Hardy in most winters. Red, yellow and orange pod-like flowers until first frosts. Trim back old growth in spring. H: 3m (10ft). From www. sarahraven.com, tel: el: 0345 092 0283. 5 Rhodochiton atrosanguineus Twining tender climber with elegant egant purple and maroon hanging flowers.owers. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip Sow seed each year in early spring. From www. thompson-morgan.com, tel: : 0333 400 0033.