Some Clematis, such as C integrifolia, or C heracleifolia, form a low bush for the season and then die back over the winter. You can trim back the stems then to make them tidier. Check with the Clematis forum to see when the best time is for your area.

You can let them sprawl between perennials to show off their 'blue' flowers, or let them squiggle up through the branches of shrubs that aren't too dense with foliage.

Mine live under an old apple tree and share the space with hardy Cyclamen, Campanula, and gaudy Impatiens over the summer.