1. Thoroughly water the plant 24 hours before planting - leaving it in soak for an hour or so will not harm it.

2. Excavate a generous planting hole and refill with John Innes no.3 potting compost.

3. Plant at least a foot out from the wall, and make sure that the soil surrounds the roots firmly.

4. Include a watering tube in the planting hole, placed vertically with the open end above soil level to avoid blockages.

5. Pour in plenty of water (a couple of gallons) every week during spring and summer to help the plant establish in its first year. Water during subsequent droughts too.

6. Clematis prefer cool roots, so shade them if necessary, using a loosely placed paving slab.