This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained, neutral soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Extravagant, purple-blue, semi-double, early summer flowers with creamy-yellow centres and mid-green leaves. The centres of the petals of this magnificent, large-flowered clematis gently fade to pale blue, creating an eye-catching effect. It is ideal for growing on its own in full sun or through a strong shrub, tree or climbing rose.
  
  
• Garden care: In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground-level and apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant, avoiding the immediate crown.