The unexpected joy of growing Clematis

I planted Clematis without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. ability to soften hard architectural features naturally is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a tree stump or old structure being naturalised which is perfect for it. providing a robust support structure before planting was the thing I got lucky getting right early. autumn foliage colour on deciduous species before leaf fall stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. pruning at the wrong time removing next season's flower buds is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.