Clematis montana aren't always rampant: if you're looking for a small climber, then these less vigorous varieties could be what you need
Although known as vigorous plants, Clematis montana can be also be medium sized or even compact. Here are some recommended varieties from the National Collection at the garden of National Collection holder, Val Le Neville-Parry.
These colourful stems will be a great addition to your winter garden
Cultivars of Cornus sanguinea, Cornus alba and Cornus sericea are grown for their colourful winter stems, but some have the benefit of attractive foliage too, giving them year-round appeal. Plant expert Andy McIndoe recommends some of the best.
Cotinus: smoke bushes to grow for autumn colour
Bold autumn tints and early plumes of flower make the cotinus, or smoke bush, an indispensable shrub in the garden. Shrub expert Andy McIndoe advises on how to grow them. Photographs by Richard Bloom
The best daphne for year-round colour and scent
Daphnes are shrubs that are best known for their scented flowers in winter, but some flower in spring and summer too. Shrub expert Andy McIndoe chooses 12 of the best daphnes to grow. Photographs by Dianna Jazwinski
Evergreen trees for gardens: the best to grow
Shrub and evergreen plant expert Andy McIndoe explains the benefits of evergreen trees and how to prune them
The best winter-flowering heathers to grow
Winter heather provides colour in the coldest months. Shrub expert Andy McIndoe recommends 20 of the best winter-flowering heathers, including Erica carnea, to grow in your garden. Photographs Dianna Jazwinski
Expert's choice: shrubs with colourful winter stems
The colourful or eye-catching stems of deciduous shrubs come to the fore in the winter months. Plant expert Andy McIndoe recommends plants with the best winter stems. Photographs by Dianna Jazwinski
How to grow echeveria
Find out how to grow echeveria, and discover 12 of the prettiest varieties to grow.
How to grow succulents
Succulents are attractive and versatile, low maintenance plants. Plant expert Andy McIndoe advises on how to grow them, plus the best types to try. Photos by Dianna Jazwinski
The best agapanthus to grow
Horticulturist Andy McIndoe selects the best agapanthus to grow and gives advice on caring for them. Photos by Dianna Jazwinski
Types of succulents to grow
Plant expert Andy McIndoe recommends some of the best types of succulents to grow, including some more unusual varieties. Photos by Dianna Jazwinski
Loveliest variegated plants to grow
Looking for lovely variegated plants? Horticultural experts pick their favourites to grow from cornus to geranium
Evergreen shrubs for sun, shade and how to prune them
Shrub expert Andy McIndoe offers a comprehensive guide on evergreen shrubs and how to care for them, plus how to prune and which will work best in your garden
Ilex: holly bushes to grow for berries and evergreen leaves
Lustrous leaves and bright berries make Ilex (holly) the perfect evergreen shrub in winter. Shrub expert Andy McIndoe gives advice on how to grow them, and plant expert Roy Lancaster recommends the best Ilex to grow in your garden. Photographs by Jason Ingram
