Top 5... spring climbers

Brighten up a dull wall, fence, or even a spot in the conservatory with one of these beauties

1 Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’

Lovely thornless, rambling rose producing clusters of soft, butter-yellow, slightly scented blossoms from April. Suits any moist, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered site. Needs securing to a framework. H/S: 6m (20ft).

Tip Ideal for growing through a large, mature tree. 578111Fromwww.crocus.co.uk;tel:01344578111. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.

2 Akebia quinata ‘Alba’

Vigorous, twining, semi-evergreen with dainty, five-clustered leaflets. Pendant, creamy-buff flowers from March are very sweetly scented. Any moist, welldrained soil in sun or shade. H: 8m (26ft), S: 3m (10ft). Tip Ideal for a trellis in a shady location.

From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

3 Clematis alpina ‘Blue Dancer’

Early-flowering, deciduous climber. Elegant, blue, long-petalled flowers followed by long-lasting, tufted seed heads. Any moist, welldrained soil in sun or shade. H: 1.8m (6ft), S: 90cm (35in). Tip Will tolerate exposure and shade. From www.taylorsclematis.co.uk; tel: 01302 700716.

4 Clematis ‘Early Sensation’

Evergreen, non-clinging clematis from New Zealand. Dark-green, parsley-like foliage. Small, bowl-shaped, green-centred flowers from March. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun to semi-shade. Needs shelter in colder gardens. H: 2m (6½ft), S: 1m (3ft 3in). Tip Ideal for a pot in a conservatory.

From www.taylorsclematis.co.uk; tel: 01302 700716.

5 Schisandra rubriflora

Twining, deciduous climber with elegant oval foliage. Dangling red blossoms produced from April into early summer. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Needs shelter. H/S: 6m (20ft).

Tip Produces edible red fruit if male and female forms are grown together.

From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.