Clematis are climbing plants, so 'Tudor' Old Man's Beard should be grown against a wall or trellis. It can be placed in a flowerbed or patio container; provided it is given plenty of sunlight, it will grow well in most environments. The hardy shrub really comes into its own in May, when its flowers appear. These blooms have a pale pink tone, but each petal is adorned with a darker stripe in its centre. The stamens are a similarly striking red colour. As if this unusual pattern wasn't enough, the blooms are also remarkable in shape. Their wavy edges form ruffles where they curl inwards, making for an extremely interesting display. These flowers last until the late summer, so Clematis 'Tudor' is one of the longest-flowering plants of its kind. Height: 1.5m (4'11). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 2.
Although Clematis are best known for being climbing plants, this variety, a Clematis integrifolia hybrid, is content to grow in sunny borders or over steep banks rather than up a trellis. The flowers of Clematis 'Alionushka' are also unusual, forming attractive, bell shapes rather than the usual star pattern. However, their colour is just as bright as that of other Old Man's Beards; when the hardy perennial blooms in June, July, August and September, the mauve tone of its petals is sure to turn heads. Height: 2m (6'7). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 3.
Clematis 'Frances Rivis' is named after Mrs Rivis who collected the original wild seed in the Himalayas. It requires virtually no pruning and does well in exposed areas. It has beautiful sky blue and white flowerheads that bloom in late spring / early summer. A perfect climbing plant for a trellis planter on the patio or decking, or to train up the side of a wall next to a door. Suitable for both cottage and contemporary style gardens. Height: 3m (9'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 1.
Large and bright, rich blue-purple flowers will bloom on the climbing stems of this popular variety from June to September. Ideal for growing up a fence, trellis, pergola or arch, enjoying a full-sun location, keep the roots cool and moist. Fully hardy. Height 3.5m, spread 1m. Supplied in 3 litre pots.
Clematis are such a fantastic climbing plant, that can totally transform a dull wall or fence, with their opulent flowers. Clematis 'Dr Ruppel' is a beautiful variety, first bred in Argentina, in 1975, that has rose pink sepals, with strong pink stripes down the centres. The cream anthers turn to fluffy seedheads in the autumn. Its main flush of blooms are in late spring / early summer. The RHS awarded this Clematis its Award of Garden Merit. Enjoys a position where the base and roots are in the shade, with the flowers in full sun. This can be achieved by planting in a full sun position, and grow other plants near the base of the Clematis. Height: 2.5m (8?). Spread: 1m (3?). Pruning group: 2
Clematis 'Girenas' bears wide, soft pink flowers, each with an eye-catching crimped edge and a darker pink bar along the centre of each sepal. This compact variety is ideal for adding interest to a lightly shaded wall, where its colours will be protected from fading in the sun. An abundance of flowers are produced in June and July, with a second flush appearing in late summer. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 2.
Clematis 'Kardynal Wsyzynski' features large dusky crimson single flowers, each with a grey-pink reverse and pink anthers. As the flowers age, they gradually fade to an attractive darker pink colour and their tidy star shape gives way to a more subtle outline. When the plant is mature, blooms are produced continuously from early summer all the way through until autumn. Clematis 'Kardynal Wsyzynski' is particularly stunning when grown in patio containers or trained up a large obelisk in the cottage garden. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis 'Lasurstern' bears mid-blue blooms with creamy white anthers that appear exotic in nature and can measure up to 15cm, adding colourful interest to any garden. This hardy climber looks superb when grown alongside a pink Clematis to create a striking contrast and is an early flowering variety, blooming in May and June and then again in September. Clematis 'Lasurstern' thrives in either partial shade or full sun and is perfectly suited to growing up a trellis, against a pergola, on a wall or weaving its way between shrubs and roses. Height: 2.5m (8' 2). Spread: 1m (3' 3) Pruning group: 2.
A beautiful Victorian white Clematis, created in 1869, with contrasting red anthers in the centre. Clematis 'Miss Bateman' looks fantastic planted alone or alongside a more brightly coloured Clematis variety. It has an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS and flowers in early summer, often with a second flush of blooms a couple of months later. This Clematis likes moist, well drained soil, with its base shaded by other plants. As well as up walls and fences, Clematis 'Miss Bateman' is also suitable for growing in obelisk planters. Height: 2.5m (8?). Spread: 1m (3?). Pruning group: 2.
Clematis 'Proteus' produces large double mauve-pink flowers in June and July before a flush of single blooms are borne in late summer and continue on until September. This early flowering cultivar has a compact habit which makes it the perfect choice for growing in borders and containers. Clematis 'Proteus' is ideal for adding interest to tricky north facing positions as it will tolerate a shady location. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3') Pruning group: 2.
This beautiful variety bears large, white flowers with contrasting purple filaments, flowering from May to June and again in September. Ideal for growing up a fence, trellis, pergola or arch, enjoying a full-sun location. Keep the roots cool and moist. Fully hardy. Height 3m, spread 1m. Supplied in 3 litre pots.
Clematis 'Star of India' is a vigorous cultivar that will bring a touch of the exotic to your garden. The plant was named for it's distinct marking of a deep red stripe running from the tip to the base of each petal set against a velvety purple background. Ideally you'll need to place 'Star of India' in a partially shaded part of the garden, as the full sun will fade the luscious petals. Wild Clematis originate in China, and some cultivars were developed in Japan, from where they were first shipped to Europe in the 18th Century. Clematis 'Star of India' is a great clematis for gardens containing Azaleas and Rhododendrons as the colours will set each other off beautifully. All that's required is that you cut the stems back to almost ground level each year and it It is very easy to maintain and can be cut back to almost ground level at the end of the season and it will emerge again the following year to delight you all over again. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.