The perfect plant for... the shady side of a fence Climbers and twiners are useful garden plants because most rise up vertically, taking up little ground space. Honeysuckles are one of the best options and there are 180 species in all. Most like to have their feet in shade and then climb towards the light so they are ideal planted on the shady side of a fence, or on the sunless side of a wall, or in a shady corner where they can emerge into the open. There are exotic flame-orange American varieties that are hummingbird-pollinated. However, they lack the heady fragrance of our native honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum. The flowers, which are often rhubarb and custard confections, mix well with roses and both flower at the same time. There are several good forms of L. periclymenum and if you plant the early Dutch honeysuckle ('Belgica') and the late Dutch honeysuckle ('Serotina') you will get a longer run of flowers in slightly different rhubarb-pink shades. 'Serotina' is the darker red-pink. Both have mid-green leaves. However 'Graham Thomas' has white buds that open to yellow and the foliage is far greyer. It's just as hardy though and it flowers for a very long time, too. 'Sweet Sue', a short bushy yellow, is named (very aptly) after Roy Lancaster's wife. All honeysuckles take time to establish, twining up fairly slowly in their first three years. Water well in their first season, as mildew can strike. Give them wire supports when planted on fences. The thicker, self-tensioning system Gripple (Gripple Garden: 0114 275 2255) is an easier option than thin wire, which sags. Honeysuckles will rise up through roses and shrubs, or scale low stone walls on their own. Once they're flourishing, don't cut them back hard. Lightly trim by a third, after flowering, but only if needed. Aphids can be a problem, but are not life-threatening. Berries will appear in winter and the ultimate reward is the sight of a waxwing feast in winter.