In july august and september it39s easy to see why the rhs has awarded clematis viticella 39polish spirit39 an agm 40award of garden merit41 its deep purple flowers are saucer shaped velvety and stunning against the hardy shrub39s dark green leaves this variety of old man39s beard is an excellent climber so can be grown up walls along fences and among mature trees as an alternative to simply planting it in a flowerbed height 5m 401639441 spread 2m 406