When to plant shrubs and bushes

[iwonderwhen]

Hi we've just finished a year long building project and have finally got our garden back from it being like a building site.
I want to plant some bushes etc like pyracantha for the birds and the colour, and the prickles to deter potential intruders(!) I'm wondering if I can plant them soonish or do I wait for better weather?

I'm also thinking of some climbers like clematis and honeysuckle, as well as cranesbill Johnson's blue - when's the best time for planting them?

If they're in pots straight away. If they are bare rooted wait till the weather warms a bit. But with the weather at the moment you can never tell. If the plants are mature and also perennials you're safe enough now I should think. As long as your garden isn't totally waterlogged !

Clematis is very fussy, the montana variety is good though. I love honeysuckle I planted some a month ago and they're fine. We're in central Fr. but the weather is very like England.

A great deal depends on your soil and the maturity of the plants. If you plant on clay soil then is best to wait a bit. Clay soil hods on to moisture and if it freezes it will trap the roots of your plant. The more established the roots the better they are able to withstand frost and water logging. I would cover the soil with composted manure and let the worms take it down. In early spring you can dig it over and then plant. I would wait for mid spring for the clematis.

Thanks @ppeatfruit and @florentina1 I might try and buy them this weekend to plant this coming week. Our back garden is south facing so we get sun most of the day and more shade in the front. We've a lovely big wisteria in the back gdn growing madly over a pergola so whatever I plant I want to compliment that.

According to my gardening book this is a GOOD time to plant deciduous plants because the sap isn't rising. (or isn't meant to be) global warming seems to be making a mockery of any rules.

Lucky you I've not had much luck with wisterias.