The HTA is promoting clematis as its ‘Plant of the Moment’ for June.

From bold blooms the size of tea plates to delicate nodding bells adorning a garden arch, clematis are versatile and colourful climbers that no garden should be without. Whether left to clamber-up a trellis panel to cover walls and fences or trained over a pergola, clematis are a wonderfully diverse family with varieties to choose for flowers in every season of the year.

Impressive large-flowered hybrids coming into their own now these are joined later in the summer by daintier of viticellas that continue blooming into autumn

Top clematis for summer colour

· ‘Alabast’ (white) (right)

·  ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ (deep magenta)(pictured on cover page)

· ‘Etoile Rose’ (pink)

· ‘Lasurstern’ (blue) 

Top tips customers will appreciate on growing clematis:

Clematis like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade. Plant so that the soil around the roots is shaded to keep it cool, training shoots up into a brighter, lighter space above.

Always plant summer-flowering clematis deeper than they were growing in their pots. Dig a deep hole so the top of the rootball sits about 7-10cm below the soil surface, and bury the base of the stems with soil. This can help plants regrow if they ever suffer from clematis wilt disease.

Spread a deep mulch of compost or bark over the soil after planting to lock in moisture and protect from the sun to keep roots cool.

All clematis belong to one of three pruning groups depending on when they flower. Make sure you nominate a member of staff as your expert who can explain which pruning group each clematis belongs to. Staff can check online at www.rhs.org.uk.

Colourful clematis companions

·Roses

·Honeysuckle

· Golden Hop  (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’

·Golden Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis ‘Aureum’)

· Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’

·Wisteria

Shrubs that offer support:

·Camellia

·Conifers including yew and junipers

·Holly (Ilex varieties)

·Japanese maples