My first clematis in its first year. In its spring flush it does indeed cover itself with flowers. Throws out lots of new growth in the spring. Does not do well in hot direct sun. Growth on the plant that was fully exposed to summer sund dried and withered by mid season. On the other side of the plant where it grew up into a rose bush and was more sheltered by a nearby fence - things remained green and additional flowers showed up late. Flowers have become larger, darker and more dramatic as the plant has aged.