Best of the Bunch CLEMATIS ARMANDII; Notebook.

THERE are only a relatively small number of evergreen Clematis and perhaps the most commonly seen species is Clematis armandii. For most of the year it will scramble happily about over fences, shrubs and trees without being noticed and then, all of a sudden, at this time of year, you get a flash of white and a hint of scent coming across the garden. In good conditions, this vigorous climber from China can reach up to 9 metres (30') and will spread sideways across a trellis or fence by about the same distance - not one for the small garden, I suspect! Because it is an early flowering type, it can be kept under control by pruning excessive growth off after flowering has finished in March / April and occasionally removing one or two pieces of older wood to keep it young and healthy.

The flowers of this stunning winter surprise are pure white, highly scented and borne in dense clusters from the leaf axils of older stems. Like all climbing Clematis, it uses sensitive leaf stalks to help it climb and scramble it way upwards and outwards to the light and will flower freely in almost any position, other than in deep shade or on a north facing wall.

To add to the winter Clematis flowering display, you might also look out for Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles'. This one is also evergreen but with softer, more delicate leaves and a more untidy, congested and scrambling habit. The flowers seem to hang upside down with a nodding habit and have purple flecks on the off-white petals. Light pruning after flowering slows down in April will keep a plentiful supply of new growth coming along.

Visit the British Clematis Society website at www.britishclematis.org.uk for more ideas on Clematis in the garden.

To see one of the National Collections of Clematis, visit Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley, North Yorkshire (www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk) or call 01439 771427 for details of opening times and events.