Planting against a shady wall

This north-facing wall of our house is in deep shade and colonised by a lax evergreen euonymus that produces small orange fruits. Though not that showy, its leaning nature and leafy cover are appreciated

- ANNE SWITHINBANK

Q Can you recommend some plants for training against a shady wall, and what are the pitfalls of growing plants close to walls?

Julia Shaw, Blackpool, Lancashire

Climbing hydrangeas can tolerate some shade

Make sure your plant is sited at least 18in (45cm) away from the base of the wall

A Walls are brilliant for all kinds of a previously barren surface is clothed in twigs and leaves. First, analyse the type of shade on offer. Most shady walls are north or eastfacing, but shade cast by nearby buildings and trees will have an effect. If glimmers of light shine in during morning and evening, or the light is passable but just indirect, I would label this light shade. If the wall is in shadows all day, we are dealing with full shade. You will see some cultivars of rose, clematis, honeysuckle and camellia suggested for shady walls, but they don't flower well in Stygian gloom.