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10 wall shrubs and climbers for winter

In the depths of winter when flowers are at a premium, the shelter of a wall or fence provides a little extra protection – allowing some handsome shrubs and climbers to flourish

These plants are all winners of the Award of Garden Merit, our seal of approval that the plant performs reliably in the garden. Numbers at the end of each entry refer to 911±¬ÁÏ hardiness ratings.

Winter-flowering camellia

This camellia's poached-egg flowers begin blooming in autumn and last right through winter
Camellia sasanqua ‘N²¹°ù³Ü³¾¾±²µ²¹³Ù²¹â€™ is a stylish camellia with glossy evergreen foliage – but its glory is in its single flowers which are about 10cm (4in) across, pure white with pink tinged edges. The flowers are scented and open from late autumn and continue through winter. It is as hardy as other camellias, but the flowers appreciate the protection of a sunny fence or wall. 2m (6½ft). H4.
Top tip! Position well

Plant on a south or west-facing wall for the best results

Sweetest scent of all

Be sure to postion Chimonanthus near a path or by the door so you can relish the scent
Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox 'Luteus') is a plant that’s perfectly hardy in the open garden, but which requires the extra summer warmth of a fence or wall to ripen its shoots and so ensure that the buds for its winter flowers develop well. Unlike other varieties, the pale yellow flowers are pure in colour and not marked in red and there is a sweet scent. Prune after flowering if necessary. 2.5m (8ft). H4.

The cutest freckles

An evocative climber with leaves turning a bold bronze in cold spells
Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘F°ù±ð³¦°ì±ô±ð²õ’  is a pretty speckled form of an evergreen Mediterranean clematis that has dainty leaves, often developing bronze tones in the coldest months. The dark colouring is an ideal foil for the strongly scented, creamy yellow flowers which are carried through the winter. Enjoys a sunny site, prune after flowering if needed. 2.5m (8ft). H4.

Smart evergreen

Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' makes an effective hedge too 
Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’ is a choice, shade-loving selection of a familiar dependable evergreen. Its leathery dark green foliage also makes a good background for summer flowers. In midwinter, though, enjoy its main feature: it is festooned with greyish catkins up to 20cm (8in) long – twice as long as the original species – creating an unforgettable effect. 3m (10ft). H4.

Cheerful and dependable

Winter jasmine is easy to grow and brings bright colour to the darkest days
The winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a plant that even most non-gardeners know, such is its toughness, and the dependability with which its yellow flowers survive anything the season can fling at them. When cut for the house the flower stems may root in the water. Strong growing, but easily restricted by pruning after flowering. 2.5m (8ft). H5.

Shrubby honeysuckle

Plant 'Winter Beauty' in a sheltered situation to make the most of its delicious fragrance
Lonicera × purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’ is a plant which does not require the protection of a wall or fence, but flowers more prolifically and its scent is less easily dispersed when grown in a sheltered position. This is a shrubby form, not a climber, with strongly scented creamy flowers from December into spring, and is the most prolific of the fragrant winter honeysuckles. 2m (6½ft). H5.

Sheer bliss for bees

Mahonias are architectural too providing an extra dimension to your garden
Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ is another plant that is perfectly happy in the open garden, but which benefits from being planted against a house wall where its rich fragrance – stronger than most mahonias – will not waft away on the chilly breeze. The bold evergreen leaves, like opposite rows of holly leaves, make a fine background for the clusters of upright yellow flower spikes. 3m (10ft). H4.

Oriental beauty

The flowers of 'Beni-chidori' are powerfully scented, so welcome on a crisp, winter day
Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori' is the ideal small tree to grow on a wall which will provide a little frost protection for its flowers. This is an attractive small tree that does not cast dense shade, so many other plants will thrive beneath it. In winter and early spring its dark branches are lined with rich pink flowers with a powerful almond scent. 4m (13ft). H5.

The florists' choice

With silvery foliage and generous plumes of flowers mimosas are a fond favourite
The florists’ mimosa, Acacia dealbata, is a superb evergreen for a sunny wall with prettily divided, silvery green foliage. From midwinter into spring, the fluffy flowerheads make billowing sprays with a lovely sweet scent. It may be die back in the most ferocious winters but usually shoots again, and can be pruned after flowering to restrict its size. 4m (13ft) or more. H2.

Scented and wildlife-friendly

Choose the rare and enchanting Azara serrata for flowers in your winter garden
Azara serrata is an unusual evergreen shrub for a sunny site. It has glossy foliage and makes a good host for climbers. The smart leaves show off its fragrant yellow puffball flowers very effectively. A branching habit and dense covering of evergreen leaves makes this a good shrub for nesting birds. Probably the hardiest of all azaras. Height to 2.5m (8ft), H4.

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