From Booklist
The genus Clematis includes more than 200 species and well over 1,000 cultivars. Only the best-known plants and those that have what Evison terms "gardenworthy merit" are discussed in his insightful book. He begins with a discussion of the plant's habitat, classification, and botany, and follows with chapters on history, cultivation, and propagation. Evison explains the plant's garden uses and suggests some flowers, trees, and shrubs to grow alongside the clematis. A plant encyclopedia gives detailed descriptions of 375 species and cultivars. This definitive guide contains 70 color photographs and 5 botanical illustrations. George Cohen

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The sheer range of flower colour and patterning combined with a wide variety of flower shape from the large and flamboyant cultivars through to the delicate bell-shaped species means that there is a clematis for every situation and effect. Furthermore, if you choose your plants carefully it is possible to have a clematis in flower from spring through to autumn with flowers often followed by intricate fluffy seedheads. Specialists and collectors will delight in Raymond Evison's unique insight into clematis gained as a plant hunter, breeder and nurseryman while gardeners will gain much from his knowledgeable advice on cultivation and garden uses. A comprehensive plant directory divided into the distinct clematis groups provides detailed and authoritative descriptions of around 375 species and varieties.

FROM THE CRITICS

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