This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)
  
  Impressively large (up to 10cm across), exotic-looking flowers appear from midsummer on the slender stems of this semi-evergreen tendril climber. The flowers have a light scent and are sought-after by pollinating insects. It will be happiest on a sheltered wall where it gets some protection from the worst of the winter weather. Alternatively grow it in a cool conservatory or greenhouse.
  
  
• Garden care: Choose three to five of the strongest shoots, tying them in to horizontal wires. Once the plant is established, cut back the flowered shoots immediately after flowering to within two or three buds of the permanent framework of the plant. In spring remove dead, misplaced or overcrowded stems.