For that sunny spot on the side of our homes or the perimeter of the garden, add some foliage and flowers to the space with classy climbers or shrubs. The sunniest garden walls are perfect for plants that would be a little more tender in a cooler, shaded spot. So, here are my top picks for shrubs and climbers for warm walls.

1. Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper)

First is an exotic looking plant that is native to Japan and China. The flowers are dark orange-red and will look marvellous in a Mediterranean style garden where their climbing habit will cover a warm, sunny wall.

  • Flowers in summer
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows up to 12m tall
  • Moist but well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Sheltered
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2. Ceanothus (Californian lilac) ‘Concha’

This shrub is an evergreen with lovely dense bushy habit. The dark green leaves are joined by deep-blue flowers in spring that form clusters. These flowers are also enjoyed by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. So, plant in a sunny but sheltered spot and this shrub will thrive.

  • Flowers in spring
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows up to 4m tall
  • Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Sheltered
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3. Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asiatic jasmine)

Asiatic jasmine is an evergreen climber that has lovely glossy green leaves all year round that are complemented by the star-shaped flowers that bloom in summer. The creamy flowers are fragranced to add another dimension to your sunny wall. Their evergreen foliage makes them a great option as hedging or screening too.

  • Evergreen foliage and flowers in spring
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows up to 8m tall
  • Well-drained soil
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Sheltered
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4. Abelia x grandiflora (glossy abelia)

In a sunny spot, this medium evergreen shrub will happily grow in many conditions, although they’re not fully hardy. The glossy oval leaves are joined by pale pink flowers from summer to autumn. They are a low maintenance pick, requiring little or no pruning, but can be cut back or pruned if necessary during spring.

  • Evergreen foliage and flowers in summer
  • Hardy
  • Grows up to 3m tall
  • Moist but well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Sheltered
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5. Lonicera x tellmanniana (Tellmann’s honeysuckle)

Next is a deciduous climber that can reach 5m tall. The clusters of orange to yellow flowers have a striking and exotic feel to them, making them a great choice for many different garden styles. In addition, they are a fast-growing climber, tolerant of any well-drained soil type.

  • Flowers in spring
  • Hardy
  • Grows up to 5m tall
  • Moist but well-drained soil
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Exposed or sheltered
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6. Escallonia ‘Langleyensis’

A perfect pick for pollinators, this is well-suited plant for a warm wall in a wildlife garden. The evergreen foliage means you’ll have graceful, glossy green leaves all year and in summer rosy pink flowers bloom to add a burst of brightness. The bushy habit is ideal for wall training in a spot sheltered from cold winds.

  • Evergreen foliage and flowers in summer
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows to 2.5m tall
  • Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Exposed or sheltered
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7. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’ (tawhiwhi)

This next plant for a warm wall is fantastic for foliage. The evergreen leaves have wavy leaves with creamy margins that adds wonderful interest. The foliage is joined by deep purple flowers in spring that have a sweet smell like honey.

  • Evergreen foliage and flowers in spring
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows up to 4m tall
  • Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Sheltered
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8. Ribes speciosum (fuchsia-flowered gooseberry)

The bristly stems of this deciduous shrub are adorned with fuchsia-like flowers that are crimson in colour. The hanging flowers have a dainty, elegant looking appearance. They are best planted against a sunny wall, with any moist but well-drained soil.

  • Flowers in spring
  • Hardy through most of the UK
  • Grows up to 2.5m tall
  • Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Sheltered
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9. Clematis ‘Lasurstern’

Large deep purple-blue flowers bloom on these deciduous climbers in summertime. Not only do the flowers bring interest but they are followed by large spherical seedheads that bring something special. Keep the base of the plants cool and shaded when planted by positioning other plants near by or adding a layer of pebbles.

  • Flowers in summer
  • Fully hardy
  • Grows up to 2.5m tall
  • Moist but well-drained soil
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Exposed or sheltered
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10. Argyrocytisus battandieri (Moroccan broom)

The rounded habit of this Moroccan native is made up of silvery-green leaves and tubular clusters of yellow flowers in summer that are sweetly scented like pineapple. Preferring a well-drained acidic soil, be sure that your garden soil is suitable.

  • Flowers in summer
  • Hardy
  • Grows up to 4m tall
  • Well-drained soil
  • Full sun
  • Sheltered
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Train climbers and shrubs up your warm walls with these plants that are perfectly suited to a sunny spot. Their flowers and foliage will soften the space, and even add a new dimension with their flowers that attract pollinators or have fantastic fragrance.

Read next how to plant and prune climbing plants:

Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas: