Clematis viticella

All clematis prefixed by C.viticella immediately conjour up an image of masses of flowers at the hottest time of the year when only deep rooted plants remain in bloom. They are similar in every respect to the July to October large-flowered hybrids on previous pages, which also flower in the same season. C.viticella cultivars will certainly remain in bloom from June to September, with one or two varieties showing colour into November. All the C.viticellas listed below require hard pruning each year on 1st December at 2.00pm down to 15cm from ground level. Then mulch with 15cm of manure.

Abundance Cerise pink lanterns open up to reveal pansy style flowers in profusion. So popular we sell out every year	D
C.viticella alba luxuriens Clear white bells with a touch of green hang from every part of the plant giving a welcome cool look at a hot time of year	E
Betty Corning Well spaced lavender bells on long stalks with a lavender fragrance this is a welcome addition from the USA. The only fragrant viticella	E
Black Prince A very dark black/red much in demand by those planning a sinister garden or at least a a pink perpetue rose (see Roses) which is the perfect companion	F
Blue Angel Pale blue 7.5cm flowers of crepe texture in with a deeper blue edge	D
Carmencita The name evokes Spain, one of the natural homes of the species viticella. This new variety is a bright pinky red with dark stamens. A brilliant climber for any garden	E
Elvan Pixie bell flowers of soft purple with cream stripes all over the plant	E
Emelia Plater Very similar to Blue Angel	F
Etoile Violette Matt dark purple with cream stamens. The most requested viticella, it can be seen to good effect on the RHS building at Wisley with Rose Felicite et Perpetue	E
Kermesina Syn C.viticella rubra. Deep wine red with greenish stamens; this one clambers all over our house wall	D
Little Nell Small white flowers with rosy purple edges. Flowers all over like gypsophylla	E
Madame Julia Correvon A hot little french number bright red flowers with gold stamens. When these are in bloom at the nursery, they are snapped up very quickly	E
Margo Koster Rosy pink very pretty and very busy from June onwards. Typical multiflowered variety from Holland	F
Mary Rose Double amethyst rosettes. This beautiful plant was reintroduced to cultivation when Henry VII’s battleship was raised	H
Minuet Deep mauve with prominent cream veining giving the appearance of a pansy. Very pretty	F
Polish Spirit Deep purple flowers on the easiest to grow clematis we have at the nursery. A plant we supplied some years ago covers a 12m wall, up to 3m high. The gardener of the estate grows it with Rose Iceberg (see rose section). The roots are growing we think beneath the terrace. Everyone should have one	D
Prince Charles A compact viticella of blue grey. A most charming variety that smothers itself in flower every year	E
Purpura plena elegans Deep red purple rosettes look very handsome on its own or with a white rose such as Iceberg	E
Romantika Dramatic dark purple almost black in some lights. A really good addition from Russia; makes a great Valentines Day present	E
Royal Velours Dark velvety red flowers held clear of the foliage. An older variety that amazes visitors to the nursery	E
Sodertalje Pretty mid pink. Easy to grow	D
Tango Very similar to Minuet. A delightful variety	E
Viola Sumptuous purple/black flowers, with velvet sheen causes quite a stir when seen at the nursery	E
Venosa Violacea 10 cm, square purple/blue blooms, with a very prominent white pansy face. The largest of the viticellas. Plant it with deep pink rose, for example Galway Bay	E
C.vitialba (Old man’s beard) The only clematis native to the UK. Due to its flowering height, few people have scented its perfume, borne July to September. A food supply to the dormouse who drinks the nectar. If you have tried to dig one from the hedgerow it may take you two weeks and a month to recover	D