Large flowered hybrids

These clematis are usually listed as large flowered hybrids; most of them have flowers from 10 to 15cm in diameter, which are carried in profusion and more than compensate for size by the sheer quantity. Due to the later flowering season they make more growth before they flower – they begin growing February and continue until at least the end of June before they start into bloom, often reaching 3.5 to 4.5m from where they set off. All these clematis require a hard prune on the 1st December at 2.00pm. Cut them down to 30cm from the ground each year. The plants stems use their leaves to cling to their host plants and, in December, will pull away easily. If you grow them through trees they may be pruned at branch level, once you have four or five vines up into the branches of the host tree – this will save training the plant up the tree each year. They are ideal for growing through smaller trees and shrubs that have flowered earlier in the year, thereby doubling the flowering season. Roses make ideal growing frames for them as may be seen at The Royal National Rose Society, St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Allanah Vivid Red tall to 3.5m. Optional prune	C
Ascotiensis A striking blue flowering in Ascot Week	E
Blue Angel Crepe textured pale blue with deeper blue edges	C
Cardinal Wyszynski Deepish red to 3m. Quality flower	C
Comtesse de Bouchard Solid pink flowers in profusion	C
Hagley Hybrid Coral Pink. Best in a little shade. Very popular	C
Huldine Small white with mother of pearl shine. Grows to 6m	D
Jackmanii ` Purple blue flowers by the thousand. The first hybrid	A
John Huxtable A white sport from Comtesse de Bouchard	E
John Paul II Creamy white. Good strong variety growing to 6m	B
Madame Baron Veillard Lilac rose. Flowers August to October and grows to 4.5m	A
Madame Edourd Andre Wine red cream stamens. Stunning	B
Madame Grange Hanging purple flowers with silver hairy reverse	D
Margaret Hunt Superb pink very free flowering	D
Monte Casino Deep velvety red. Grows to 2.5–3m	D
Perle de Azure The best sky blue. Grows to 4.5m	F
Perrins Pride Soft velvet purple. Best in shade	B
Rouge Cardinal The best velvet red	C
Star of India Medium flowers of deep purple with a red cross	D
Twilight Deep rosy lilac. Free flowering, strong growth	C
Victoria Helotrope Looks good all through the flowering period	E
Ville de Lyon Deep red overlaid with raspberry pink and gold stamens	C
Vino Floriferous Deep red with lighter bar	E
Voluceau Deep purple red with cream stamens. Popular	E
Warsaw Nike Black red cream stamens	E