Clematis lanuginosa Lawsoniana

The Lawson's Clematis is one of the few hybrid varieties that produce such large summer flowers. When it thrives, its simple but immense corollas in a lovely mauve-lilac colour bloom abundantly, in successive waves, for over two months, often exceeding 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. If not pruned, this variety can grow up to the top of a small bush. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, you can also let it run along the ground, between bushes.

Clematis belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae. The 'Lawsoniana' variety, selected in Scotland in 1870, is the result of a cross-breeding between the Clematis lanuginosa and C. 'Fortunei'. Vigorous and floriferous, its only weakness is its susceptibility to wilt under poor growing conditions. It is a perfectly perennial, semi-woody and climbing plant, which can reach approximately 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in) in height, with a minimum spread of 1 m. This clematis bears very large star-shaped flowers, reaching up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter, or even more. They appear in June on last year's shoots, and then again on new shoots in successive waves until the end of August. The flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes. They have 8 wide tepals with undulated or slightly folded edges, in a fairly bright blue-lilac colour, with a slightly lighter median zone. The centre of the flower is adorned with a beautiful crown of pale yellow stamens forming a small pompom. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery silver-grey fruits that remain until winter. The glabrous leaves are opposite, oval in shape and a beautiful light green colour. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses to extend the flowering season of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. The Lawsoniana variety pairs well with dark foliage, such as that of the Prunus pissardii or the large flowers of the Nelly Moser variety. It is a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch.

Tips: Avoid excessive use of fertiliser as it stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture which can encourage wilt.