Clematis integrifolia Rosea

The Clematis integrifolia 'Rosea' is an excellent form with pink flowers of this small herbaceous clematis with entire leaves that resembles more of a perennial than a climber. It distinguishes itself from the species by the color of its flowers, a medium pink-mauve, but also by the generosity of its flowering. Its bell-shaped flowers, delicate as porcelain, and gracefully inclined, bloom abundantly throughout the summer. The vegetation completely disappears in winter to be reborn in spring, forming a slightly untidy clump that should be supported. Compact in size, hardy and undemanding, it is an ideal variety for container cultivation, but also an excellent perennial for borders and beds.

The Clematis genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The Clematis integrifolia is a botanical species native to Central and Eastern Europe where it is mostly found at montane level, in thickets, meadows and stream banks, on limestone soil. 'Rosea' is a cultivar with pink flowers that has been awarded in England by the R.H.S for its ornamental qualities and garden performance. It is an herbaceous and lightly climbing perennial, with long leafy stems, forming an untidy clump not exceeding 76 cm (30in) in height, with a spread of 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft). Slow to establish, the plant roots deeply in the soil before showing exponential growth in the following years. Each spring, a multitude of stems emerge directly from its base. They bear small entire ovate to elliptical leaves, deep and glossy green. The flowers bloom from June to September among the foliage. They are campanulate in shape, composed of 4 fused and slightly twisted petals. They are 4 to 5 cm (2in) wide and hide yellow anthers in their throat. Each flower is followed by the formation of a decorative silvery green feathery fruiting. This variety prefers well-drained soil and sunny but not scorching locations.

Plant the integrifolia 'Rosea' clematis at the edge of a bed, in a rock garden, on a wall, in pots or in a hanging basket. It is a lovely companion for roses and summer-flowering shrubs. Clematis represent a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, forms and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The beautiful 'Rosea', thanks to its herbaceous growth habit, will thrive perfectly in a pot on a balcony, or on a slope planted with perennial salvias, pink or white valerian, catmints and euphorbias.