Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. The variety Guernsey Flute™ was developed in England by Raymond Evison. It belongs to the series "Guernsey Clematis", and shares the noble genes of Clematis patens, the famous Japanese species with large, elegant flowers. This variety, like its close relative 'Guernsey Cream', is recognised for its ornamental qualities and garden performance. It was noted at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, where it was among the plants shortlisted for the title of “Plant of the Year”.
It is a perennial and hardy plant, semi-woody and climbing, which reaches between 90 cm and 1.20 m in height. Guernsey Flute™ produces tubular floral buds from late spring, reminiscent of a champagne flute, which open into large star-shaped flowers, 12 to 14 cm in diameter. Each flower has 8 sepals (apparent petals), well-developed, broad at the base, pointed at the tips, and slightly crinkled on the edges. The sepals are thick and fleshy, with an almost satiny texture. The centre is adorned with a cluster of reddish-purple stamens with cream anthers. The main flowering occurs in May-June on the previous year's stems, then a reliable repeat flowering occurs in September on new growth.
Although deciduous, the foliage of Guernsey Flute™ is lush and healthy, composed of opposite simple or slightly divided, medium to dark green leaves which naturally disappear in winter. The plant clings to its support by means of its petioles transformed into flexible tendrils.
Clematis Guernsey Flute™ fits into all gardens, including the smallest. On an arch, trellis, tipi or small column, it envelops its support with a gently original flowering. Its moderate growth is interesting for edging a terrace or framing an entrance. Let it climb through small leafy shrubs such as Physocarpus ‘Little Devil’, Berberis ‘Orange Rocket’ or Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’, for example. In a pot, it becomes a focal point, easy to move and combine with other seasonal plants.
