Clematis atragene alpina Plena

The Clematis alpina 'Albina Plena' is a beautiful form with double white flowers of the Alpine Clematis, appreciated for its early and generous flowering as well as its hardiness. It is a sturdy climbing plant of medium size that thrives on old walls, trellises, fences, and even in trees. Indeed, its numerous tendrils allow it to climb everywhere! Fantastic when paired with the blue variety 'Francis Rivis!'

The Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The genus includes about 30 species of herbaceous perennials with woody roots and semi-woody, evergreen or deciduous climbing plants. They are found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The 'Albina Plena' Clematis comes from the Clematis alpina (Alpine Clematis), native to the French, Swiss, Italian, and Austrian Alps. It is also found in Siberia. It belongs to Group 1 (early-flowering clematis) of the Clematis, which has 3 groups. It is a semi-woody, creeping or climbing perennial plant that reaches 2.50 m (8ft) to 3 m (10ft) in height, with a spread of 1 m (3ft). The groups are defined based on cultivation requirements.

This Albina Plena Clematis bears beautiful double campanulate flowers measuring 5-6 cm (2in) in diameter, at the axils of the leaves, on the previous year's shoots. They bloom from the end of March if the weather is mild. Generally, the flowering period extends from April to June. The flowers are solitary and do not have petals, but slightly twisted tepals. In the center of the corolla are white staminodes (sterile stamens arranged in a small cup), surrounding cream-white stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative plume-like fruits in silver-gray. The leaves, which are quite dark green, sometimes opposite, sometimes alternate, and glabrous, are ternate with irregularly toothed edges. They are deciduous, meaning they appear in spring and fall in autumn. This clematis clings to supports or host plants by means of petioles transformed into tendrils.

Combine your clematis with your climbing roses or your favorite shrubs by choosing simultaneous or staggered flowering. You can let the Alpine clematis spread lazily on the ground, as they form original and charming ground covers.

The name "clematis" comes from the Greek "klema" = vine shoot, because its old stems have a woody and twisted appearance with cork exfoliations. About half a dozen spontaneous clematis species grow in France (not counting those cultivated in gardens). Among them are the Alpine Clematis (or Alpine Atragene), the fragrant clematis (Clematis flammula), and the hedge clematis (Clematis vitalba).

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilization that stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive humidity that promotes wilt disease.