There are many hybrids of this popular species.
They are deciduous twining climbers needing the support of a pergola or a post if grown as a standard.
When grown over a pergola they offer summer shade and spring colour from the drooping racemes of flowers.
The hybrids tend to be more hardy than there parent species.
Although the plant is frost hardy the new flowers can be damaged by late frosts.
They are more tolerant of shade, soil type and many diseases.
They grow more vigorously and if not looked after can get out of control.