Clematis

A species clematis that needs plenty of room. In late summer, the stems are decked with dangling yellow lantern-like flowers, and as the first ones go over they're replaced by large, fluffy, white seed heads. By late summer both flowers and seed heads are present on the plant at the same time, which doubles the effect. As with all the late-flowering clematis, pruning is easy. Simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground level before growth begins in early spring. This pruning technique makes late-flowering clematis useful for training into shrubs, trees and climbing roses as the clematis growth is removed each spring and so never becomes too much of a burden on its supporting plant.