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: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This new clematis is said to be a cross between a C. florida and C. integrifolia, so it has the potential to produce lots of flowers over a long period from late spring to early autumn. The flowers themselves are a rich shade of purple, and as they open, all the smaller, petal-like tepals form an inner ruff. It works well in pots or borders, and can even be grown in large hanging baskets and allowed to cascade - provided it is kept well fed and watered. Please note that the plant comes in a black plastic pot - not the one in the photographs, which has been potted up with a more mature plant.
  
  
• 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.