Clematis x jackmanii Ivan Olsson

Clematis 'Ivan Olsson' is an excellent variety with large flowers and exceptional flowering. From June to September, it is covered with wide pastel corollas in azure blue and white with a silver reverse. They succeed each other without interruption on a small-sized climber. It will brighten up somewhat austere areas of the garden, such as a bare bush, while taking up minimal space. Its modest size is also suitable for growing in large pots on patios and balconies.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, especially in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, North and Central America. The 'Ivan Olson' variety, which appeared in Sweden in 1955, is a mutation with light flowers of C. 'The President', discovered in England in 1873, and derived from the cross-breeding between C. 'Jackmanii' and an unidentified cultivar. 'Ivan Olsson' is notably derived from C. patens, a woody clematis native to Japan. It belongs to the group of clematis that flower in June on the previous year's wood, and then a second time on the current year's shoots. They bloom in successive waves until the end of summer. It is a perfectly perennial, semi-woody and climbing plant that will not exceed 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) in height, with a spread of at least 1m (3ft). The single flowers are of the 'Jackmanii' type. They are open towards the outside and form a 14cm (6in) wide star, with overlapping petals. The centre is occupied by purple stamens. The petals are pale blue, with a white central zone, and are slightly bordered with blue-violet. The medium green deciduous leaves are composed of 3 ovate to lanceolate leaflets measuring 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long, or are simple and ovate measuring 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long.

Clematis 'Ivan Olsson' is an excellent plant for a sunny exposure. It is suitable for both small gardens and container gardening. Plant your clematis in the company of climbing roses, which can sometimes be bare at the base, to extend the flowering period until the end of summer. 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.