Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 9m/30ft, width: 15m/50ft

Species clematis bear smaller flowers than the showy hybrids, but they are beautiful climbing plants that merit a place in any garden.

GROWING Treat as hybrids. Shade for the root-run can be provided by low shrubs. To prune, remove only weak growths and shorten the remainder by two thirds.

PROPAGATION Species can be raised from seed sown in autumn in pans of compost in a cold frame. After germination, in the following spring, pot up singly and set outdoors, transferring to the permanent site in autumn.

SPECIES Clematis armandii, vigorous evergreen, glossy foliage, white saucer-shaped flowers 6cm/2 1/2in across; C. orientals_, fern-like leaves, abundant nodding scented yellow flowers in late summer followed by large silver seedheads; C. tangutica, grey-green leaves, lantern-shaped yellow flowers in late summer, attractive seed-heads; C. flammula, height 3m/l0ft, bears a mass of tangled growth at the top with 30cm/12in panicles of fragrant white flowers in late summer/early autumn; C. montana (above), 12x 6m/40 x 20ft, easiest species to cultivate, profuse white flowers; the pink-flowered variety `Rubens' is very popular.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Clematis wilt; powdery mildew.