Clematis are a great plant for any garden - offering flowers vertically as they climb up walls, fences, or even through trees and other shrubs. But they also make a great option in pots on the patio too, with a long flowering season that will see blooms all summer long. Here is our pick of some of the best you can get.
‘Blushing Bridesmaid’
Early rosette flowers have spiky centres. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip: Light prune after flowering and in late winter. From Thorncroft Clematis, tel: 01953 850407.
‘Angelique’
Very compact and long-flowered until October. H: 90cm (3ft). Tip: Hard prune in late winter. From Taylors Clematis, tel: 01302 700716.
Diana’s Delight’ ‘Diana’s Delight’
Lovely periwinkle-blue flowers from May and again from mid-summer. H: 1.5m (5ft). Tip: Will perform in both sun or more shady conditions. From Floyds Climbers and Clematis, tel: 07762 499416.
Sieboldiana
Exotic-looking, bicoloured blooms until late summer. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip Needs a warm position and protection in winter. From Crocus, tel: 01344 578111.
Carnaby
Eye-catching flowers from May and later in summer. H: 1.8m (6ft). Tip: Hard pruning in winter keeps the plant compact. From Taylors Clematis, tel: 01302 700716.