Clematis x poizatii - Clématite odorante 'Aromatica'

The Clematis flammula 'Aromatica' or Clematis × aromatica is a small, unusual clematis, called the aromatic clematis, which stands out for its long flowering in small, dark violet stars and its intense fragrance, often compared to that of heliotrope. Its flowers renew from summer to early autumn and are clearly visible against its dark green foliage. More compact than many climbing clematis, it easily finds its place in a border, against a small trellis, or among the branches of a shrub. Hardy, floriferous, and easy to care for, it also suits gardeners unaccustomed to growing clematis.

This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Unlike large clematis that form wood, it behaves like an herbaceous perennial with a slightly woody base. Its stems die back in winter, then new shoots emerge from the stump in spring. Its official name is Clematis × aromatica. It is an old French horticultural hybrid, known since the mid-19th century, resulting from a cross-breeding between Clematis flammula and C. integrifolia. The former is a climbing clematis native to the Mediterranean basin and part of Western Asia, valued for its highly fragrant small white flowers. The latter is a perennial found from Central Europe to Asia, which passed on its more modest growth and violet flowers.
Each year, this plant produces several fine, ramified, and flexible stems that do not cling to their support on their own and benefit from being guided. They reach 1.50 to 2 m in length, and the plant occupies a spread of 50 cm to 1 m. The leaves, arranged in pairs along the stems, are divided into several ovate or oblong leaflets of a dark matt green. The vegetation of this clematis retains a light appearance. Flowering begins in June or July depending on the climate and continues until September, sometimes into October if the autumn remains mild. The single flowers measure 3 to 4 cm in diameter. They have four narrow sepals, widely opened, in a bluish-violet to purplish-violet colour, with edges that curve slightly backwards over time. In the centre, numerous cream-white stamens form a clearly visible light-coloured tuft. The flowers are gathered in ramified clusters at the ends of the stems. Their warm and sweet fragrance is especially noticeable in calm weather and in the late afternoon. After flowering, small feathery fruits appear, but they are less decorative than those of some clematis. Very hardy, the stump withstands -20°C.
This plant is still often sold under the name Clematis flammula 'Aromatica'. The name Clematis × aromatica recalls both its hybrid origin and the remarkable fragrance of its flowers. 

Clematis 'Aromatica' is ideal for covering small pyramid structures. To enjoy its fragrance, train it on a trellis near a path or entrance, or grow it in a pot on the patio. It can be woven into the flexible branches of the shrub rose Frisson Frais®, which is pastel pink. Nearby, the Clematis integrifolia 'Hakuree' will form a lower clump, covered in summer with white bells slightly tinged with blue. The Geranium 'Blue Cloud', broad and flexible, will cover the ground with its pale blue flowers veined with purple. The Hydrangea arborescens BellaRagazza® Blanchetta, a small rounded bush with large inflorescences that turn white, will complete the arrangement. 

Tips: avoid excessive fertiliser, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch, to avoid excessive moisture that promotes dieback disease.