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
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This vigorous clematis flowers continuously from July to October, producing a profusion of large, carmine-red flowers with contrasting golden centres. Since the lower foliage becomes scorched by late summer, 'Ville de Lyon' is best grown through an evergreen shrub or tree. Feed and water well early in the season to delay browning of the leaves.
  
  
• 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.