Warm and sunny
Many plants relish a south and west-facing aspect, and here are a few with gorgeous flowers.
Repeat flowering roses
Look out for David Austin English varieties available as climbers and shrubs: Try ‘Crown Princess Margareta’ in apricot orange and ‘Tess of the d’urbervilles’ with deep cupped scarlet blooms.
Fabulous fremontodendron
Commonly called flannel bush and performing from May to September, there are two varieties to go for: Golden yellow ‘California Glory’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’, whose blooms have an orange blotch.
Scintilating solanum
It’s the gleamingly reflective whiteflowered climber that gives cheer from July to September. It grows to around 3.6m, so allow it plenty of space.
Sensational ceanothus
Also called Californian lilac, it grows to around 1.8m high. It flowers in April, May and September and it’s best trained over trellis or wires.