Clematis combos for multi-season interest

SPRING C. macropetala

‘Lagoon’ AGM

As tough as it is pretty, this striking blue-flowered clematis will flourish in partial shade, making it a good choice for tricky north-facing walls. Flowers: Apr-May. HxS: 10x5ft (3x1½m).

SPRING C. ‘Frances Rivis’ AGM Want a tough, foolproof clematis? Then ‘Frances Rivis’ is the one for you. A reliable bloomer, it doesn’t need pruning and the violet-blue flowers are a lovely elegant shape. Flowers: Apr-May. HxS: 10x5ft (3x1½m).

SPRING C. montana var. wilsonii

An excellent pick for its profusion of scented, star-shaped white flowers, which in no time at all will be smothering trees and arches from late spring to early summer. Flowers: May-Jun. HxS: 20ftx39in (6x1m).

SUMMER C. viticella

‘Abundance’ AGM

This late summer-flowering viticella variety has wine-red flowers that are small but vibrant; and – the clue’s in the name – there are masses of them. Flowers: Jul-Sept. HxS: 10ftx39in (3x1m).

SUMMER C. ‘Étoile Violette’ AGM Another viticella type; great for a sunny fence; or plant through shrubs and trees, where it can climb upwards, complementing other plants with those rich-purple blooms. Flowers: Jul-Sep. HxS: 16½x5ft (5x1½m).

SUMMER C. viticella

‘Prince Charles’ AGM Large-flowered and reliable, with pale-blue blooms verging on purple. Not too vigorous, making it perfect for the smallest gardens or a container. Flowers: Jul-Sep. HxS: 8ftx39in (2½x1m).

AUTUMN C. ‘Praecox’ AGM Although ‘Praecox’ has a shorter flowering time than many, it easily makes up for it with masses of small, mauvetinged, star-shaped white flowers that cover the plant in autumn. Flowers: Sep-Oct. HxS: 8ftx39in (2½x1m).

AUTUMN C. texensis

‘Gravetye Beauty’ Trumpet-shaped, deep-red flowers appear from late summer and last into autumn. This compact variety will perform well in a container or border. Flowers: Jul-Oct. HxS: 10ftx39in (3x1m).

AUTUMN C. ‘Bill MacKenzie’ AGM Bright-yellow blooms come with an added bonus in that they appear from midsummer right the way into autumn. The seedheads that follow extend the interest. Happy in sun or partial shade. Flowers: Jul-Oct. HxS: 13ftx39in (4x1m).

An aptly named rambling evergreen variety in a pinky white – it really does have the scent of apple blossom (or, some say, almonds). Unusual, but well worth seeking out. Flowers: Mar-Apr. HxS: 20x5ft (6x1½m).

Handily compact. The lovely green-centred creamy flowers have an attractive yet subtle scent, and because the plant is evergreen – and very hardy – it will add interest to pots or borders all year round. Flowers: Apr. H&S: 39in (1m).