Clematis flammula rubromarginata

Clematis flammula var. rubromarginata is a climbing clematis that is as delightful as it is easy to grow. It forms a bushy mass dotted with white stars tipped with magenta-purple that fill the air with fragrance, especially in the late afternoon. It blooms for several weeks in summer. It is a vigorous and undemanding plant. Let it climb on low bushes, plant it in an informal or evergreen hedge, or grow it along a fence. Place it close to a pathway to enjoy its scent. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained garden soil, even if it's chalky and dry in summer.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis flammula var. rubromarginata is an excellent horticultural achievement. C. triternata, on the other hand, is a hybrid obtained by crossing C. flammula and C. viticella, two hardy southern species adapted to dry summers. This variety is a climbing plant with long woody stems. It is classified in the group of clematis that flower from July until early autumn on the current year's growth. It can easily reach 4m (13ft) in height in rich and moist soil. By pruning it in spring, it will become more branched and will be contained within more modest dimensions (2.5m (8ft) in height). Flowering takes place from June to September. It consists of panicles of small flowers with 4 white petals, the tips of which are tinged with purple, surrounding a cluster of pale-yellow stamens, measuring 2.5 to 3.5cm (1in) in diameter. They are fragrant and honey-rich. The fragrance of the flowers is of vanilla and bitter almond, and is more pronounced in the late afternoon and in warm weather. The flowers are followed by silky, silvery plumed fruits, which remain decorative for several weeks. The deciduous foliage consists of leaves 5cm (2in) long, divided into small dark green leaflets that are thick and glossy. They are borne by voluble stems that twine around their support thanks to the leaf petiole transformed into a tendril.

Clematis flammula var. rubromarginata excels in covering garden sheds, shrubs, or unsightly fences. It will work wonders when planted at the top of a retaining wall, from where it will cascade down. Planted near a patio, a doorway, or a pathway, it will delight passers-by with each visit. Its bicoloured flowering will blend well with the purplish foliage of the dyer's vine and will accompany other climbing clematis of the viticella group, which are so easy to grow. It will brighten up shrubs with purple foliage (Black Lace elderberry) or evergreens such as cypresses, yews, and laurel, for example. This clematis tolerates dry and chalky soil. Plant your clematis on either side of the support you want to cover.

Avoid excessive use of fertilisation, as it stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch in order to prevent excessive moisture.