Yet many species clematis put on an early show, providing a welcome burst of color in spring. ... Clematis alpina. and. C. macropetala (Zones 5-8) enliven the spring garden beginning in April.

The prettiest, Clematis alpina, has flowers resembling tiny lanterns. These are enhanced by ferny foliage and often follow with silky seed heads. Their growth is moderate and easily controlled.

Clematis need to have their roots shaded and cool, since they are woodland plants, so put them where shrubs can shade their lower parts, or where flat stones can be laid to keep the sun off their ...

Clematis come in three groups, each with its own pruning regime. If in doubt, do not prune but make a note of when the plant starts and finishes flowering. This is the best guide to any subsequent ...

Patricia Dawson has a problem with a Clematis alpina ‘Foxy’ that she is growing up a bamboo wigwam in a pot. She sent me a picture, taken in the late summer, which showed that almost all its ...