Plant suggestions for your garden this summer

Trollius Plant – Golden Queen

Here are some suggestions for shrubs, perennial plants, and climbing/wall shrubs based on your criteria

Shrubs flowering or interesting in June, July, and August suitable for a sunny position in heavy soil type:

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) – Produces large, colourful flowers in various shades from June to August.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) – Attracts butterflies with its fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters.

Potentilla fruticosa – Displays vibrant, long-lasting flowers throughout the summer months.

Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ – Known for its bright yellow flowers and attractive green foliage.

Caryopteris x clandonensis – Produces beautiful blue flowers from mid-summer to early fall.

Perennial plants flowering or interesting in the UK in July and August suitable for a semi-shade position in a wet, heavy soil type:

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) – Features feathery plumes of flowers in various colours, such as pink, red, and white.

Ligularia (Ligularia spp.) – Offers large, bold leaves and produces bright yellow or orange flower spikes.

Rodgersia (Rodgersia spp.) – Showcases attractive foliage and produces plumes of small flowers in shades of pink or white.

Trollius (Trollius europaeus) – Bears globe-shaped, yellow flowers and thrives in moist soils.

Hosta (Hosta spp.) – Renowned for its lush foliage and produces beautiful spikes of flowers in summer.

Perennial plants flowering or interesting in the UK in September and October suitable for a sunny position in a heavy soil type:

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Sedum spectabile) – Displays clusters of pink flowers that mature to a rich bronze colour in autumn.

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis) – Presents elegant, pink or white flowers on tall stems during late summer and early autumn.

Aster (Aster spp.) – Offers a wide variety of cultivars with daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Helenium (Helenium autumnale) – Features warm-toned, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ – Showcases bright yellow flowers with dark centres and blooms from late summer to early fall.

Perennial plants flowering or interesting in the UK in March and April suitable for a sunny position in a heavy soil type:

Primrose (Primula vulgaris) – Presents delicate, pale yellow flowers early in spring.

Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria spp.) – Offers unique, spotted leaves and produces pink, blue, or purple tubular flowers.

Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia) – Displays thick, leathery leaves and bears clusters of pink or white flowers.

Daffodil (Narcissus spp.) – Features iconic yellow or white flowers and is one of the first signs of spring.

Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) – Offers a range of colours, including white, pink, and purple, and blooms in early spring.

Here are five climbing or wall shrubs that can thrive on a sunny fence and provide interest and colour throughout the year, even on heavy soil:

Clematis (Clematis sp.): Clematis is a versatile and popular climbing plant known for its stunning flowers. There are many different varieties and colours to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste. Some varieties, like Clematis montana, are particularly well-suited for heavy soils.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Trumpet Vine is a vigorous climber that produces large, vibrant orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer. It can tolerate heavy soils and thrives in sunny locations. Be aware that it can be quite aggressive, so it’s important to provide sufficient space for its growth.

Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): Winter Jasmine is an excellent choice if you want a shrub that provides interest during the colder months. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. This plant is hardy and can tolerate heavy soils and full sun.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.): Honeysuckle is a classic choice for a sunny fence. It features fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. There are various cultivars available, such as Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina,’ which has beautiful red and white flowers and thrives in heavy soils.

Climbing Rose (Rosa sp.): Climbing roses are known for their elegance and fragrance. There are many varieties to choose from, and some, like the ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Rambling Rector,’ can tolerate heavy soils. Roses require some maintenance, including pruning and fertilising, but they reward you with their stunning blooms.

Remember to consider the mature size and growth habits of these plants to ensure they won’t overpower your fence or neighbouring plants. Additionally, providing appropriate support, such as trellises or wires, will help guide their growth and create an attractive display.