Top 5... springflowering clematis
These beauties need little or no pruning
1 Clematis alpina ‘Frankie’
This lovely, early-flowering variety produces a succession of mid-blue, bell-shaped flowers with a white centre from April. It suits any moist, well-drained soil and aspect or pots. Decorative, silvery seed heads in late summer. Height: 1.8m (6ft). TIP Like all C. alpina, it’s ideal for a north-facing, exposed spot
2 Clematis cartmanii ‘Fragrant Oberon’
A diminutive, evergreen variety from New Zealand, with parsley-like foliage. Small, yellow-green flowers emit a strong, sweet perfume in April and May. Suits all aspects, in well-drained soil or in pots. Height: 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft). TIP Site a potted specimen near a door
3 Clematis alpina ‘ Jaquelineq du Pré’
An elegant variety of great poise that clings or clambers, but never gets out of control. It flowers on previous year’s wood from April and produces whiskery seed heads. Will thrive in any well-drained soil and aspect. Height: 2.4-3m (8-10ft). TIP Combine with a blue or white variety for a lovely contrast
4 Clematis cartmanii ‘Avalanche’
This variety, one of the largestflowered forms of New Zealand evergreen clematis, produces sheets of flower from late March. It’s best in sun or semi-shade in most soils. Also good for pots. Height: 1.8-2.4m (6-8ft). TIP It’s non-clinging, so tie to a framework or drape over a shrub
5 Clematis macropetala ‘Lagoon’
One of the most dependable, stronggrowing varieties of this semidouble flowered species, with rich blue petals and white centres. Silvery seed heads from late summer. Likes moist, well- drained soil, in any aspect. Height: 3m (10ft). TIP Grow over a pergola or arch with a climbing rose