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: average
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This early spring-flowering clematis produces masses of nodding, deep blue, bell-shaped flowers with cream centres from April to May. An ideal climber for a north-facing site, the elegant flowers look lovely cascading over a pergola, garden fence or wall. The silvery seedheads, an important decorative feature, are retained throughout the summer.
  
  
• Garden care: No routine pruning is necessary. If the spread of the plant needs to be restricted prune immediately after flowering, cutting back overlong shoots to healthy buds. Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant in early spring.