Clematis montana Sunrise - Anemone Clematis

Clematis 'Sunrise' is a recent creation that stands out with its compact growth and its magnificent spring flowering in a powerful pink-red colour. Its small, double, and remarkably colourful flowers bloom on young foliage that starts off purple-chocolate before turning bronze and then green. It is just as vigorous and hardy as the famous C. montana. It thrives in romantic or cottage gardens, in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, deep, fertile soil.

Clematis 'Sunrise' is a semi-woody climbing perennial plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. This variety reaches a height of 4m (13ft) in a few years, with a spread of about 3m (10ft). It is derived from C. montana, native to the Himalayas. It is an excellent garden plant widely planted in many regions. Like its parent plant, it requires little to no pruning, or only above a height of 2m (7ft).

Clematis 'Sunrise' bears small, double flowers, measuring 4 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. They bloom with incredible abundance in May, earlier or later depending on the climate. The flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 1 to 5 flowers on long pedicels. They appear on the previous year's branches. The petals are dark pink with a touch of red, opening to a centre of cream-coloured stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits in a greyish-silver colour. The leaves are simple and palmate with irregularly toothed edges. They are initially brownish-purple and then turn olive-green, in perfect harmony with the flowers. This clematis clings to its support or the host plant through voluble petioles that transform into tendrils. Its deciduous leaves dry up in winter and reappear in spring.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This genus offers a rich diversity, with flowers in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Sunrise' requires some space to fully thrive. It will be stunning in front of the house, for example, entwined around a wrought iron fence. Its beautiful blooms will welcome visitors.

Avoid excessive use of fertilisation, as it promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Avoid mulching to prevent excessive moisture, which can lead to disease.