9 summer-flowering shrubs

Abelia x grandiflora Sunny Charms

This new abelia has spicily-scented pink and yellow blooms against evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage from midsummer into autumn. Even after flowers have faded, reddish purple sepals persist. Choose a sheltered, sunny position or grow in a container. HxS: 4x3ft (1.2x1m).

Deutzia scabra ‘Codsall Pink’ AGM

This tall, upright, deciduous shrub is a festive sight in early to midsummer when large clusters of honey-scented double white flowers open, flushed with pink on the backs of outer petals. Grow in sun or partial shade in good, well-drained soil. HxS: 10x6ft (3x1.8m).

Lupinus arboreus AGM

The evergreen Californian tree lupin grows rapidly into a rounded bush, producing yellow flower spikes smaller than herbaceous lupins but still up to 12in (30cm) long. These are fragrant and at their best in early to midsummer. H&S: 6ft (1.8m).

Ceanothus ‘Burkwoodii’ AGM

Although many Californian lilacs open their blue flowers in spring, this waits until late summer and early autumn before revealing clusters of rich-blue flowers much-loved by bees. Sun, well-drained soil and a sheltered position by a wall will suit. H&S: 6ft (1.8m).

Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii AGM

Easily trained to make a tree-like shape, this is a large deciduous sun-loving shrub. In late summer to autumn fragrant white flowers emerge that turn into crimson stars each with a turquoise berry at its centre. H&S: 15ft (5m).

Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ AGM

This St John’s wort is due a revival. Bright-yellow blooms over 2in (5cm) across brighten borders from midsummer to autumn and are worth inspection. This must be one of the least fussiest shrubs, thriving in a range of soils in sun or light shade. H&S: 4ft (1.2m).

Buddleja x weyeriana ‘Sungold’ AGM

If you can’t choose between a cultivar of the butterfly bush (B. davidii) or orangeflowered B.globosa whose blooms are held in balls, B. x weyeriana is a hybrid between the two. Prune hard in March to maintain structure and improve flowering. H&S: 10ft (3m).

Heptacodium miconioides AGM

The seven son flower of Zhejiang is a relatively new introduction. It has small but fragrant white flowers from late summer into autumn, shrimp-coloured sepals and attractive bark. It’s well worth growing as a small tree. HxS: 12x8ft (4x2.5m).

Spartium junceum AGM

Spanish broom is ideal for Mediterraneanstyle dry gardens where it can revel in sunshine and well-drained soil. It bears few deciduous leaves, but a mass of green stems. These are garlanded from mid to late summer by yellow, fragrant, pea-like flowers. HxS: 8x6ft (2.5x1.8m).