Their flowers are impressively large, 5-8 in. across (13-20 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 between early and mid summer on new wood. They often repeat flowering in late summer and early fall. 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.

The Viticella group of clematis originates from Southern Europe (Italian Clematis) and includes deciduous climbing shrubs regarded as being durable, easy-care, vigorous and free-flowering. They bloom profusely over a long period extending from midsummer to fall. 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 if these vigorous climbing vines have room enough to grow.

Introduced in 1877, Clematis 'Gipsy Queen' is a vigorous deciduous climber which gets covered with a profusion of large, 5-6 in. (12-14 cm), remarkably velvety, violet-purple flowers with dark red stamens. On the first opening, the blossoms can be an intense dark red, before rapidly changing to deep violet. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, this late-flowering clematis can make a memorable floral show, thanks to its abundant blossoms and depth of color. It is ideal to cover arbors or fences or trellises and is a lovely companion for white, pink, or apricot climbing roses.

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.

A truly remarkable clematis, Clematis 'Huldine' is a very large deciduous climber with luminous, translucent, pearly-white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with six gracefully arching sepals which show off their ornamental pinkish-mauve central bars along their undersides. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this vigorous and extremely floriferous clematis is an excellent choice for trellises and can be trained to climb a wall, fence, or arbor. Combines beautifully with other climbers such as climbing roses. Great as a flowering groundcover too!

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.

Bred in 1885, Clematis 'Etoile Violette' is one of the long-established favorites. This outstanding deciduous vine produces masses of small, nodding, dark violet-purple flowers, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), with a creamy boss of stamens. Each flower bears 4 to 6 broad, velvety petals that are well-spaced. You will see very little of its fresh green foliage once the plant gets into bloom, so great is the outpouring of purple flowers! 'Etoile Violette' is a member of the small-flowered 'summer' Clematis called 'Viticella', a group including strong vines, easy to grow, amenable to training early in the season, with profuse flowering over a long period.

This English Rose produces large clusters of strongly fruity scented, many-petaled flowers, whose color invariably draws attention. It displays a simply exquisite apricot-orange color, slowly fading to yellow as the rosettes mature. This tall, slightly arching shrub is ideal as a short climber or for the back of the border, where in both cases, it makes a striking statement. Excellent repeat bloomer.