Clematis

There are two very similar yellow -flowered clematis available in New Zealand, of the tangutica and orientalis species, and both make excellent vigorous climbers smothered with those thick bells with the texture of citrus peel. Both have the added appeal of a mass of decorative seedheads too, which last all winter, and an easy pruning regime. Clematis tangutica ‘Bill Mackenzie' (right) is perfect behind tall blue salvias such as Salvia uliginosa in pale blue.