IF you’re looking for a climber for a small garden, a clematis is ideal. For although there is no shortage of climbing plants to choose from, few take up as little room in the border. In fact, no matter how tiny the space, or how packed with plants, you’re unlikely to struggle to fit in a clematis.
However, the appeal of clematis goes way beyond the practical. Space-saving aside, one of the reasons clematis are so popular is the sheer variety of flowers they offer. From tiny drooping, bell-like blooms to large, dramatic summer saucers – the range of sizes, shapes and colours is huge.
Most clematis are self-clinging and will scramble up fences and trellises, through shrubs and up trees, creating striking planting combinations or
