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 October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Introduced from Poland, this beautiful clematis will produce a mass of lightly scented reddish-purple flowers, each with a pale reverse, for several months from midsummer. The first flush of flowers is the most prolific, but then it will usually continue to flower well into autumn. A lovely partner for a climbing rose, it can be grown in a large container if space is at a premium.
  
  
• 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.