West-facing gardens are typically shady in the morning and bathed in sunshine for the rest of the day. It's worth noting that shade-loving plants are less likely to thrive in this aspect, so it’s best to select plants that require full sun and partial shade to grow well.
Here are our top plants for west-facing gardens:
Jasmine
If you would like your summer days filled with the scent of delicate jasmine, these robust climbers are the perfect choice for a west-facing wall or fence. Grow jasmine in a sheltered spot near a seating area to enjoy their gentle perfume.
Camellia
For a pop of colour in winter, camellias are great plants for west-facing gardens. As they prefer a bit of morning shade, these plants are ideal for a partially shaded part of the garden.
Magnolias
Is there anything more incredible than an established, flourishing magnolia tree? These majestic trees are the ideal addition to a west-facing space, and depending on which variety you grow, flowering can be achieved into late winter, spring or summer.
Tulips
Plant up your bulbs at random within your beds and borders for an exciting display come late spring. Tulips do very well in west-facing gardens due to the cool morning shade, followed by the afternoon sunshine. For more tips on planting spring bulbs, please click here.
Phlox paniculate
Phlox is a superb flowering plant for a west-facing border due to its delicate scent and glorious shades of pink and red. Expect showy blooms right through the summer and into autumn.
Wisteria
West-facing walls are the ideal place for growing fragrant wisteria. These vigorous climbers are an obvious choice for many gardens due to their subtle colouring, delicate flowers and delicious scent.
Lavender
Loved by bees and gardeners, these sun worshippers need at least 6 hours or more of sunshine for optimal flowering, making them ideal for west-facing gardens. For lavender that thrives, plant in a hot and sunny position within free-draining soil.
Passion Flower
These impressive climbers provide an essential source of intriguing summer flowers across walls and fences. These hardy plants prefer fertile, well-draining soil and require full sun for optimum flowering. Train to grow against a warm wall with the support of trellising or plant around pergolas for an exciting display come summer.
Gardening essentials
Compost
Fertiliser
Mulch
