Clematis atragene Columella

The 'Columella' Clematis, or Columella Clematis, is a vigorous climbing perennial that offers a spring flowering with a range of charming pink shades. The outer tepals are quite intense and leaning towards purple, and are also bordered with a cream colour, slightly pinkish, which extends to the inside of the flower. In bell-like shapes, slightly open and trailing, they bring a lot of poetry to the supports they generously cover.

Like most Clematis, 'Columella' likes a light, deep, fresh, and fertile soil, with a tendency towards clay-siliceous. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with the base of the plant strictly in the shade. It is frost-resistant and does not fear freezing, even in intense cold. However, it does not like stagnant moisture, so the substrate must be well-draining and watering should be moderate (if necessary, especially in the first year).

From April to May, this "Queen of lianas", which can reach a height of up to 2.50 m (8ft), bears solitary, simple bell-like flowers that are 5 to 6 cm (2in) long on the previous year's branches. They consist of 4 lanceolate tepals that are slightly twisted at their tips. Dark pink in buds, they gradually lighten as they open, revealing a pale pink to cream interior overflowing onto their margin. At the end of flowering, fruits appear, ending with a silvery grey feathery style, airy and very decorative. The leaves are deciduous, compound, dentate, medium green, 7 cm (3in) long, borne by voluble stems that twine around their support.

The 'Columella' Clematis, when associated with other varieties or paired with a climbing rose, is a perfect dressing for walls, fences, bamboo pyramids, or the trunk of a tree. Thus, the 'Bantry Bay' and 'Raubritter' Roses will take over and ensure the summer flowering in the same shades. The 'Giant Star' montana Clematis will accompany it in spring with its lighter reflections. You can also sow Sweet Peas and the Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, which will mingle with the feathery fruits in summer.