Plants of the Month: July

Clematis & Climbers

Climbing plants add height, interest and colour to your garden. Some are evergreen and they all bring seasonal beauty. You can train climbers up an existing structure such as a wall, fence or garden shed, or add a pergola or arch for them to wind their way up.

Many climbers are ideal for small gardens, since they grow upwards, and they can grow in a container, so long as they have a support to grow up. Climbers such as jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis attract bees and butterflies.

The clematis is one of our favourite climbers. Look out for late flowering varieties in Garsons this month that can bloom from now until September. They come in an array of colours from delicate shades of white and pink, to bolder reds and purples. They generally like sun or partial shade, and these late flowering varieties are often reliable and resistant to disease.

Star jasmine flowers through the summer. It has scented white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. It likes a warm sheltered wall. Honeysuckle is also scented, and some varieties are evergreen, so you benefit from year-round foliage along with seasonal scented flowers. Like the clematis, honeysuckle roots prefer to be shaded, so they’re ideal positioned behind low growing plants where the base can stay cooler.

Not sure which climber to choose? Ask the trained horticultural staff at Garsons for advice on which types would suit your garden. Whatever climber you choose, ensure the support is in place to train it up first, including wire, trellis or a pergola for a stunning show of upwardly mobile blooms. Once planted, add a generous layer of mulch around the base and keep watered during dry spells.

Clematis and climbers are 20% off for Garsons card holders in July, so come and view the stunning range!