Alpine Clematis Clematis at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

An alpine clematis Clematis clematis (Clematis alpina) now climbs up the rock face on a diagonal; a perfect clump of broom (Cytisus x praecox 'Luteus') flows over the edge at the far right of the semicircle; and some smaller Japanese hosta (Hosta Nakaiana) grows along the outside base, sheltered from the afternoon sun.

Clematis are among the most valuable of all garden climbers. This is because there are a great many varieties,differing in vigor of growth, time of flowering and the size and color of their blooms. Thanks to the enormous choice, something can be selected for almost every possible purpose.

Gardeners often dread pruning clematis, fearing that it is complicated and confusing. Any pruning should be made according to the three categories which are based on the age of the growth on which the flowers are produced.