Q Which shrub can I grow on a west-facing slope?

Lynda Hillyard, West Yorkshire

AHUMAIRA SAYS For something unusual, try a Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’), which has leaves like a yew and edible fruits that resemble plums. It’s evergreen, can deal with sun or part shade and is very hardy to -20°C. It grows to about 1m wide and 2m tall.

A more familiar and readily available option is an Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). It has glossy evergreen leaves and clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring. It generally prefers full or part shade, but can tolerate sun if the soil doesn’t dry out. The flowers are an excellent early food source for pollinators, and are followed by dark berries for birds.

Oregon grape has holly-like leaves and early yellow flowers