FIVE CRACKING CLEMATIS

1 NIOBE

A compact form that’s ideal in pots or the ground, growing to 6ft with velvety red flowers (above) from May to September.

2 PERLE D’AZUR

Introduced in 1885, this French classic climbs to 10ft and produces masses of sky-blue flowers all summer long.

3 STAR OF I NDIA

In late summer, large purple flowers with carmine stripes running down each petal smother this 13ft-tall stunner.

4 TAIGA

Making its debut in 2017, this compact clematis boasts passionflower-like, double, blue and white flowers.

5 VYVYAN PENNELL

Large, rosette-like, double lilac flowers put in an appearance in June with a second flush in late summer.