To achieve a colourful garden through the year, choose flowering shrubs that bloom in each of the seasons. In this article we cover our choices for Summer blooms.
 
 
 
Hebe (above) - A must for every garden, these rounded shrubs attract plenty of bees and butterflies when in flower, and they are easy to grow. Look out for varieties with pink or purple flowers and those with coloured evergreen foliage for winter interest. Site in full sun in well drained soil, and prune annually to keep in shape.
 
Escallonia - This is an excellent shrub for hedging, particularly by the sea, as it is salt and drought tolerant. Although it has a slightly wayward habit, it can be pruned after flowering to keep a compact habit. Trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink or white appear over several weeks. Place it in a warm , sunny position sheltered from cold winter winds.
 
Hydrangea macrophylla - Whether they have the mophead or lacecap type of flower head, hydrangeas offer a long season of interest, as the large pink, mauve or blue flowers hold their colour over several weeks. They then gently fade to biscuit-brown giving structural interest into winter as the leaves fall to leave bare stems.
 
Other shrubs to consider:
  • Cistus
  • Ceanothus
  • Philadelphus
  • Deutzia
  • Buddleja
  • Lavatera