Plant of the week: Clematis viticella

Colourful climbers that will lend height and vibrance to any plot

Although not as largeflowered or flamboyant as earlier-flowering clematis, the smaller-blooming viticella varieties are the real champions of summer climbers, reliably flowering from July into September, and often beyond.

The original species comes from southern Europe and western Asia. With nodding purple and white-centred flowers, it was the first clematis introduced into the UK in the 16th century. A swathe of hybridisation with other varieties has resulted in a wide range of flower forms, from the typical wild bell shapes through to hanging parasols, doubles and semidoubles to open, single flowers composed of four petals, or ‘tepals’.

Colours range from purples, blues, mauves, reds, pinks and whites, often bi-coloured, or with a white centre or contrasting colour picotee (edge).

Although attractive, individual blossoms may not be able to create much impact close up, but when massed together they give quite a show or backdrop so are ideal for growing up fences and walls or draping over larger shrubs. Smaller-growing varieties can be grown in pots for placing beside doors or siting on a patio.

Viticella varieties grow well in sun or semi-shade, preferring moist, well-drained soils. Like

Clematis alpina, they’ll also tolerate north-facing sites and being wind tolerant are good for coastal sites.

C. viticella varieties flower on growth made the same season, so can be cut back to just above ground level in autumn or late winter as new growth appears. This means that varieties can be easily partnered to bloom together, then mutually cropped to start the cycle again.