Clematis 'Gravetye Beauty'

Up facing, velveteen, scarlet red blooms mass on the slender, twining stems. They have a handsome, two tone effect with the petal reverse having more pink tones. The tulip shaped flowers open up to 7cm across and open freely from around January to April. The elongated, heart shaped leaves are mid-green to blue-green, another handsome feature of this valuable climber.

Clematis texensis grow along stream banks and the edges of woodlands in their natural habitats so appreciate consistent moisture and a well drained soil. Pruning Group 3, flowers on new wood, prune late autumn to winter.

As a rule of thumb, Clematis tend grow well where Roses grow well. They are also excellent in combination. You can use similar colours for a lovely blend or create some drama with complimentary shades. In fact, Clematis intermingle well with many plants - trees and shrubs especially as they can be used for climbing in a beautiful symbiosis. They are so versatile, you can even grow them in pots.

The old adage is to plant your clematis so their 'head' is in the sun and their 'feet' are in the shade. In other words they like their root zone to be cool and protected, and the stem to grow up into a sunny position. You can protect the root zone with mulch and/or by using other plants to shield them from the sun.

Grow Clematis in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. They need good drainage or the roots can rot. Plant so they will receive around six hours sun a day and are shielded from the hot afternoon rays. To perform at their best they should be fertilised well, to do this you can use a Rose Fertiliser every three months or so. Clematis get better and better as they establish, they have a large root system that takes time to establish. So while the first season might be a bit ho hum, prepare to be amazed in the next.