clematis [Victor Hugo]

Plant in a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level; keep the base of the plant and the roots cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles or flat stones; see clematis cultivation for more advice

Propagate by internodal leaf-bud semi-ripe cuttings taken from spring to late summer, or by layering from late winter to spring

May be affected by pests such as aphids and capsid bug; flowers may be damaged by earwigs; young shoots are vulnerable to slugs and snails; container-grown plants may be affected by vine weevils

May be affected by clematis wilt and powdery mildews; pruned stems may be affected by clematis slime flux