Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 1.8-2.4m/6-8ft, width: 1.2-2.4m/4-6ft

Clematis are universally popular climbers, scrambling over a wall or fence, trellis or arbour, and covered with open starshaped flowers of white, blue, pink or purple. There is a huge choice of beautiful hybrids. Some flower twice, in early and mid summer; others bloom from mid summer onwards.

GROWING Plant deeply between autumn and spring, preferably in alkaline soil, in a position where the base will be shaded from strong sun. Support for the twining stalks is essential. Prune those that flower twice by cutting back the shoots to 23cm/9in the second spring after planting. Remove all weak growth each spring and tie in replacement shoots. For summer-flowering clematis, train the shoots across wires at 30cm/1?in from the ground and the flowering stems will grow upwards. Cut back flowered stems each spring to two good buds. Mulch each spring.

PROPAGATION Layer 18-month-old shoots in spring.

VARIETIES Early-flowering: 'Belle of Woking', double, silvery-mauve; `Maureen', velvety purple; `Lincoln Star', rich pink; `Nellie Moser' (above), pale mauvc, crimson stripe. Summer-flowering: `Huldine', pearly white; `Etoilc Violette', deep purple with cream stamens; `Gravetye Beauty', cherry red.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Clematis wilt; powdery mildew.