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 soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to June and September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stunning, large star shaped mauve-blue flowers with pale yellow stamens appear from late spring smothering this climber. Then again in the autumn you will often have a second flush. It's ideal for growing up an arch or a pergola as covering walls or fences, and as it's a compact form, it will grow happliy in a container provided it is kept well fed and watered. It will tolerate some shade, but will love a sunny sheltered spot as long as its roots are cool and shaded.
  
  
• Garden care: Climbing clematis need their roots to be kept cool and moist, so plant the base of these clematis in light shade or provide shading with other plants or a dressing of pebbles. 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.