Clematis patens Caroline - Early Large-flowered Clematis

The Clematis 'Caroline' is a climbing perennial that reveals a long and charming flowering. Its large star-shaped flowers indeed display a range of pink shades throughout the summer. Bright pink in June, they gradually fade to pale pink and eventually disappear in white, while displaying a pretty veining in the same tones. With a compact size, it will thrive on balconies, terraces, and cover trellises in sunny or partially shaded areas.

This recent cultivar (1990) comes from the United Kingdom. Belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, 'Caroline' prefers a light, deep, fresh, and fertile neutral soil. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with the base of the plant always in the shade. It is frost-resistant and can withstand freezing temperatures. However, it does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so the substrate must be well-draining and watering should be moderate (if necessary, during the first year). It can be grown in a container, provided it is large enough (minimum 60 cm (24in) in diameter).

From June to September, this Clematis, which can reach a height of up to 2 m (7ft), bears large single flowers, measuring approximately 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, on the current year's branches. They consist of 4 to 8 obovate and acuminate tepals that overlap each other. They fully open into a star shape, revealing a pale yellow, almost cream-coloured stamen cluster. This perfectly complements the range of pink shades displayed by the flowers. Starting from a deep pink, they gradually transition to a lighter and softer shade, eventually turning into a lovely barely pink-tinged white. The overall effect always maintains a veining in the same colour tones. These nuances will, of course, vary depending on the exposure. Sunlight tends to fade 'Caroline'. The leaves, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets, are deciduous and have a beautiful tender green colour. They are carried by voluble stems that twine around their support.

Thanks to its modest size, 'Caroline' can easily find a small spot. Near the entrance of the house, along the edge of the terrace, on a bamboo teepee within a flower bed, it brings a lot of freshness and romance, and especially many flowers. Pair it with the roses 'Mini Eden Rose' or 'Rosa Waltz'. Plant it alongside its cousins viticella 'Queen Mother' and 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' to vary the forms. A few Sweet Peas or Lofos will complete the range of whites or pinks, depending on the mood.