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 RHS hardiness ratings.
Camellia sasanqua ‘Narumigata’ 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.
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
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.
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’ 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.
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.
