Mislabelled plant causes confusion
I REALLY enjoyed the clematis articles in recent issues and thought I’d share with you a heartbreaking case of when a retailer has a slight labelling issue.
I purchased a Clematis texensis ‘Princess Diana’ from a major DIY store, and with eager anticipation waited for it to flower. Imagine my surprise when said healthy plant put on masses of what appeared to be purple buds!
A warm and sunny spell later, and the blooms began to open. Oh, wow! Not only was it certainly not a ‘Princess Diana’ but the flowers were some of the prettiest looking clematis I’ve ever seen.
I’m now desperately trying to find the variety of my mystery purchase. Neil Ferry, County Durham,
We asked Peter from Thorncroft Clematis and Climbers Ltd. He replies:
“What a shame to see this. It happens to us all at times – even we are not immune from making labelling errors, but thankfully few these days. The pictured plant is Clematis viticella SUPER NOVA PBR ‘Zo09088’.”
I hope that Mr Ferry enjoys their surprise substitute! The retailer should also send a correct plant of ‘Princess Diana’ free of charge.