Owners of west-facing gardens are lucky to enjoy the best of all worlds: cool mornings, sunny afternoons and warm, pleasant evenings — conditions that suit a wide range of plants too.
With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a garden that will thrive through summer.
The drawback? That afternoon sun can be fierce, putting pressure on your plants and flowers. But there is good news: many plants suited to west-facing gardens are surprisingly resilient, coping well with winter cold before thriving in summer’s heat.
To keep your west-facing garden looking its best, it makes sense to choose varieties that love these conditions — drought-tolerant beauties that are happy soaking up strong sunshine.
Charlotte McGrattan, hardy nursery stock buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, advises: ‘West-facing gardens enjoy afternoon and evening sun, creating warm conditions that suit a range of reliable, sun-loving plants.’
Here are 15 of her top choices:
Shrubs and climbers
‘A west-facing garden is ideal for shrubs and climbers that enjoy sun and warmth, particularly those grown against walls or fences where heat is retained,’ Charlotte says. ‘Varieties such as lavender, star jasmine and wisteria flourish here, offering fragrance, structure and seasonal interest, while hardy geraniums can provide dependable ground cover and are long flowering with minimal maintenance.’
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L-R: Lavender, star jasmine, wisteria, hardy geraniums
Perennials and grasses
‘Many perennials and ornamental grasses perform exceptionally well in west-facing gardens, benefiting from afternoon sun without the intensity of a full south-facing position,’ Charlotte explains. ‘Salvias, phlox and eryngium all perform well in these conditions, while grasses such as Stipa tenuissima add movement and texture that looks especially striking in the low evening light.’
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L-R: Salvias, phlox, eryngium, Stipa tenuissima
Annuals and bulbs
’West-facing gardens are perfect for colourful annuals and reliable bulbs that enjoy warmth and sunshine,’ recommends Charlotte. ‘Summer performers such as zinnias, cosmos and lantana flower prolifically in these conditions, while spring bulbs such as tulips benefit from enough sunlight to produce strong growth and vibrant displays.’
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L-R: Zinnias, cosmos, lantana, tulips
All-round star performers
These are easy to grow, low-maintenance and will reward you with structure, colour and interest.
Verbena bonariensis Camelia Passionflower (Passiflora)
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L-R: Verbena bonariensis, Camelia, Passionflower (Passiflora)
5 ways to care for a west-facing garden
1. Water in the morning: Just like any garden, early watering works best. It gives thirsty plants time to absorb water before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate.
2. Water deeply and less often: A good, thorough soak encourages plants to develop strong, deep roots, helping them to cope better with hot, dry conditions.
3. Keep an eye on containers: Pots and containers dry out much faster than borders, especially in warm weather, so check them regularly and water as needed.
4. Refresh compost and add mulch: Topping up containers with fresh compost gives plants a nutrient boost. Finish with a layer of mulch to help lock in moisture and reduce evaporation.
5. Create some welcome shade: Protect plants from intense afternoon sun by adding shade where possible. Taller plants, pergolas, parasols or sunshades can all help keep plants cooler and happier.
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