Clematis Niobe

The Clematis 'Niobe' is a variety of clematis with large flowers, known for its early and extended flowering, its compact habit that is well-suited for container gardening, and its very large velvety flowers that are particularly dark red, almost black when they first open. They bloom from the end of May and throughout the summer on a small climbing vine with a bushy, dense, and compact habit, adorned with abundant deciduous medium green foliage. Its purple flowers are perfectly complemented by grey or silver-leaved shrubs and look stunning in country-style bouquets.

Clematis belong to the family of Ranunculaceae. They are found in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The 'Niobe' variety, resulting from hybridisation, is a Polish creation dating back to 1970. It is a perfectly perennial, semi-woody climbing plant that will reach an average height of 2.50 m (8ft), with a minimum spread of 1.50 m (5ft). This clematis bears very large star-shaped flowers, measuring 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) in diameter, which appear on the current year's shoots from May to June, and continue blooming in successive waves until the end of summer. The flowers, larger during the first flush, are solitary or grouped in clusters. They have 4 to 6 rather thin and tapering sepals, which are very dark red when they first open, then fade to magenta. The centre of the flower is adorned with a beautiful bouquet of yellow stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative silvery-grey feathery fruits that persist until winter. The glabrous leaves are divided into 3 small leaflets of a vibrant green. This clematis clings to its support or the host plant using petioles transformed into tendrils.  

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing or rambling roses ('New Dawn', 'Mme Caroline Testout', 'Zéphirine Drouhin') to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. Train this Clematis 'Niobe' to climb a silver-leaved willow (Salix repens argentea), an Elaeagnus, or an Olearia Traversii (if you live in a region with mild winters): the colour combination is superb! 

Tips : Avoid excessive fertilisation, as it stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. In heavy soils, avoid mulching to prevent excessive moisture.