@fluvia Santolina rosmarinifolia has been better than ever there is also S Lemon Fizz. Will not cope with shade, my shrub was grown from a cutting and is in a south facing well drained border.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Consider Buddleja (B. globosa with orange flowers is a good one), Potentilla and Lavatera - all sun loving and all OK on free draining chalky soil. Of course there's lavender too!
I love roses, and like escallonias, hebe, hibiscus, lavatera, buddleia, azaleas.
I love camellias. I know you said you are on chalk- so am I, and they do well in ericaceous compost in pots in the border. My four are all still fairly small after 2-3 years (grown from tiny twigs with roots), but the glossy evergreen leaves and the sight of the beautiful rose-like flowers when not much else is out- just breathtaking. And the leaves don't seem to scorch in the sun.
Weigela seems to be so happy here so want to plant shrubs that are suited to the soil. I've seen Nandina obsessed, not firepower in local GC. Thanks for the recommendations.
Posts
For small shrubs I like Caryopteris, blue flowers, fairly drought resistant.
I love camellias. I know you said you are on chalk- so am I, and they do well in ericaceous compost in pots in the border. My four are all still fairly small after 2-3 years (grown from tiny twigs with roots), but the glossy evergreen leaves and the sight of the beautiful rose-like flowers when not much else is out- just breathtaking. And the leaves don't seem to scorch in the sun.