Clematis florida Utopia

Clematis florida 'Utopia' is a little-known variety resulting from Japanese hybridisations from C. florida. It is a more floriferous, more robust, and less demanding climber than its parent. It distinguishes itself from other hybrids with its large single flowers measuring 15 to 18cm (6 to 7in) in diameter. They are satin white with a pronounced pink-lilac rim that lightly tints the edges. They are beautifully punctuated with a heart of dark purple stamens that turn violet. This deciduous climbing clematis flowers in two waves: first in June-July and then in September-October. With a compact habit and medium size, it can be planted with shrubs in borders, grown on walls, trellises and pergolas, or even planted in pots or containers on a balcony or patio. It only dislikes stagnant humidity.

Clematis 'Utopia' is a Japanese cultivar from 2001 by Kozo Sugimoto. The hybrids of the C.  florida group are recognised by their long petioles, and their single flowers with combinations of white, pale green, pink and purple colours with dark centres, which can be somewhat globose and adorned with decorative stamens. The clematis is a deciduous climber belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Like most of its cousins, it prefers light, deep, moist, and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It enjoys a sunny or partially shaded position, with its base always in shade. It resists cold temperatures and is not afraid of frost, even if prolonged. However, it does not tolerate stagnant humidity, so the substrate must be well-drained and watering should be moderate (if necessary, during the first year). It can be grown in a container if the pot is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter.

This cultivar is a deciduous climber that can reach 2.5m (8ft) in height and 1.5m (5ft) in spread. It is a Group 3 clematis, meaning it is a late-flowering cultivar with large flowers that can bloom multiple times on the current year's herbaceous stems. Its flowers are composed of 6 oval, pointed tepals forming diamond shapes that overlap at their base. They bear a large heart filled with bristly stamens. Subsequently, they transform into persistent feathered achenes in winter, presenting a notable decorative feature. The deciduous and medium green leaves are composed of 3 to 5 leaflets. They are borne on voluble petioles called tendrils that curl around themselves onto their support.

Its colours are best displayed in partial shade. Plant spring bulbs and a few ground-cover perennials with white, pink or blue flowers at its base, and enjoy the spectacle with minimal maintenance. Perennials will drain the soil while keeping some necessary moisture for the clematis to develop. If you have a larger space, this vigorous clematis can weave through shrubs or up a column to bring verticality to a brightly coloured border. Large-flowered repeat-flowering clematis are also the best companions for roses. For a contrasting effect, let it climb on shrubs with purple or black foliage. Otherwise, combine it with another clematis with dark flowers.