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
  
  This vigorous, late summer-flowering clematis produces a profusion of crimson red flowers from July to September. Named after the kermes insect from which the red dye cochineal is obtained, the scarlet flowers look magnificent scrambling through trees, shrubs and climbing roses. Resistant to clematis wilt, it copes well in moderate wind.
  
  
• 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.