The Atragene group of clematis includes early and small-flowering clematis, which are extremely hardy, undemanding, and among the easiest to grow. Planted near a window, they reward gardeners with elegant and colorful blossoms when there is so little color in the garden. Very cold-hardy, these Clematis do not mind north and east walls. Most clematis in this group originate from Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala, both found in mountainous regions across Europe (C. alpina) or northern China, eastern Siberia and eastern Mongolia (C. macropetala). They bloom profusely from mid to late spring and occasionally in late summer. The flowers give way to very ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. They can be trained over trellises, arbors, pergolas, arches, or fences. They can grow through shrubs, climbing roses, and into small trees. They are gentle plants and do not smother their supporters.

Their flowers are incredibly large, 6-10 in. across (15-25 cm). Star-shaped, they may be single, semi-double, or double and are available in a wide range of colors. They usually bloom in two waves. They bloom in late spring or early summer on the previous year's growth. They often repeat blooming in late summer and early fall on new wood. These clematis are quite versatile. They can be trained over trellises, arbors, pergolas, arches or fences. They can grow through shrubs, climbing roses, and into small trees. They can be grown in large containers too.

Robust and early-flowering, Clematis macropetala (Downy Clematis) is a deciduous climber with particularly graceful, nodding, lantern-shaped, pale purple-blue flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with 4 lance-shaped petals and many blue or cream petal-like stamens. Blooming in mid to late spring, this small-flowered clematis usually has a second flush of blooms in midsummer. The flowers are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant throughout the summer, adding further interest. This elegant clematis is a great choice as a groundcover and looks ravishing cascading over a pergola, wall or garden fence. Lovely when sprawling through large shrubs too.

Deservedly popular, Rosa 'Pink Perpetue' is a climbing rose with lovely clusters of slightly fragrant, fully double, rich rosy-pink flowers. Forming charming cascades of flowers, the well-shaped blooms have a glowing iridescence. They are produced repeatedly throughout the summer and well into the fall. They stand out against a backdrop of healthy dark green leaves with hints of purple. Vigorous and hardy, 'Pink Perpetue' is perfect for growing up walls, pillars or pergolas.

One of the first clematis to bloom in the spring, Clematis 'Francis Rivis' is a deciduous climber with masses of small, nodding, bell-shaped, purple-blue flowers adorned with prominent cream staminodes and stamens. Slightly twisted, the 4 tapering sepals, 2 in. long (5 cm), unfurl to gradually rise from bell to flat, revealing the white inner skirt. Blooming from mid to late spring, and occasionally in late summer, the flowers contrast attractively with the narrow, serrated leaves. They are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. A robust and reliable spring flowering clematis, which copes well in exposed positions and looks ravishing cascading over a pergola, wall or garden fence. Lovely when sprawling through large shrubs such as rhododendrons or decorating evergreen hedges.

A valuable repeat-flowering climbing rose, 'Golden Showers' features large, sweetly fragrant, semi-double, golden-yellow blooms, 4 in. wide (10 cm), paling to light yellow as they mature. Blooming continuously from midsummer to early fall, this large climber has a stiff, upright growth with almost thornless stems and glossy, dark green leaves. An old favorite, this climbing rose is suitable for small gardens and perfect for covering a sunny wall, arbor, arch, even in shade. Extremely reliable in most climates, 'Golden Showers' is regarded as one of the best compact, yellow roses.

A magnificent large-flowered variety, Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' produces such an abundance of luminous flowers, 5-6 in. across (12-15 cm), that they cover the foliage entirely. Opening pale yellow, the rounded, overlapping petals are adorned with pale chartreuse central bars. As the blooms mature, they fade to creamy white and contrast pleasantly with the prominent yellow anthers. The flowers are followed by large, showy silver seedheads, which add further interest to the plant. Flowering comes in two waves: first in late spring and early summer, then in late summer and early fall. Reliable and vigorous, this clematis is ideal for arbors, trellises, pergolas, and other garden structures.

Award-winning Rosa 'Iceberg' is one of the best Floribunda roses and one of the most popular of all roses. It produces abundant clusters of medium-sized, rounded and double flowers with soft white petals (30-40 petals), sometimes flushed with pale pink. Mildly fragrant, 'Iceberg' blooms continuously right through the season until winter. Tall, bushy, upright, handsomely shaped shrub with large, shiny, glossy, light green leaves which provide an ideal backdrop for its summer-long floral display. Very free flowering, 'Iceberg' is available as a bush, but also as a standard, weeping standard, and as a climbing rose that is fit for clambering over pergolas or trees.

One of the first clematis to bloom in the spring, Clematis alpina 'Pamela Jackman' is a deciduous climber with masses of nodding, deep blue flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), adorned with white stamens. Dangling in the wind, the flowers open from narrow, pointed buds. As their sepals unfurl, they gradually rise from bell to flat or gracefully reflexed, revealing the white inner skirt. It is a charming progression from bud to flower. Blooming from mid to late spring, and occasionally in late summer, the flowers contrast attractively with the divided lime green leaves. They are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest.

A vigorous rambler with good disease resistance, award-winning Rosa 'Albertine' produces abundant clusters of fragrant, cup-shaped, fully double flowers, 3.5 in. wide (9 cm), starting as reddish-salmon buds and opening to large copper-pink blossoms. They are perfectly displayed on purple-flushed arching stems against a glossy dark green foliage. Very free flowering, 'Albertine' has a strong and rich fragrance. Blooms in one single flush in spring or summer

One of the first clematis to bloom in the spring, Clematis 'Blue Dancer' is a deciduous climber with masses of small, bell-shaped, sapphire blue flowers, adorned with creamy-white centers. The sepals are extraordinarily long, 2 in. in length (5 cm), making the blooms nod gracefully in the wind. Blooming from mid to late spring, and occasionally in late summer, the flowers are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. Adding sparkle to the garden, this small-flowered clematis looks ravishing cascading over a pergola, wall or garden fence. Lovely when sprawling through large shrubs such as rhododendrons or decorating evergreen hedges.

Noted for its shade and poor soils tolerance, Rosa 'Zephirine Drouhin' is a vigorous climbing Bourbon rose with masses of highly fragrant, semi-double, carmine flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), counting up to 30 petals. Borne on thornless, purplish stems, the blooms are produced in great quantities and almost continuously from late spring to frost. This Rose is such an excellent repeat bloomer that it is worthy of applause. The flowers are perfectly displayed against the semi-glossy rich green foliage, which emerges bright copper-red. Popular ever since its introduction in 1868, this free-flowering heirloom rose is regarded as one of the best and most reliable climbing roses.