Most clematis are climbers, growing through shrubs and trees, or whatever support you want to give them. There are also a few herbaceous perennials, and at least one shrub. The colourful flowers are usually followed by the heads of feathery seeds, which are also ornamental.

Clematis alpina is the well-known and loved species, also known as Atragene alpina, from the European Alps and beyond, where it scrambles through trees and shrubs, or through lower herbs, producing its large flowers, with four pointed, purple petals, in abundance.