Clematis atragene Country Rose

Climbing plants require full sun, although they can also be placed in a partially sunny location. They prefer light, humus-bearing soil, that is not too dry but well-drained. Mulch the plant with garden compost or well-rotted manure, avoiding direct contact with the stems. Cover the base of climbing clematis with a 3cm (1in) mound of soil or another plant such as a ground cover or a perennial geranium. It likes to keep its feet cool. Water generously and regularly during the first few weeks. Be careful, as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging and can die from phytophthora. Clematis attach themselves with their tendrils.

You can lightly prune in June, cutting  1m (3ft) above the ground. However, clematis does not necessarily require pruning due to its fairly slow growth.

To help it grow, provide it with a trellis or let it dress the trunk of a tree by placing a mesh against the trunk for support. Clematis also like to grow freely on neighbouring plants.

They can be prone to fungal diseases, especially in winter.