Walls of colour

WITH a long flowering period and pretty, colourful blooms, clematis are superb climbers. They are also one of the few groups of garden plants that can be in flower all year round. Comprising around 300 species, some bloom in spring, others flower in summer and autumn, and a few perform during winter.

Many clematis are herbaceous, but the most widely grown forms are the climbers. There are varieties to suit every garden style: from cottage gardens to smart urban terraces; some have pale blooms, others flower in bold colours; a few have incredible scent; and some provide nectar for wildlife.

Late-season clematis

In early summer the varieties are in glorious full bloom, with clouds of white or pink flowers flooding the air with clove-vanilla perfume. But in a few months’