Clematis Black Tea

Clematis 'Black Tea' bears an abundance of large, bicolour flowers with red-purple petals and a dark red median, slightly overlapping. They appear almost black depending on the light. It blooms on its upper half. Its base is sensitive to drying out, so place perennial ground cover plants around it. Alternatively, plant it in the shade of a deciduous bush. The clematis can weave through the bush, covering it with velvety flowers. This deciduous climber has a rapid growth rate. Plant it facing the sun in rich, well-drained soil that is not too dry. This hardy plant is easy to cultivate, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.

The 'Black Tea' cultivar is a natural mutation of Clematis 'Mrs. Thompson', obtained by Hayakawa in Japan in 1995. This deciduous climber belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Like most of its cousins, it likes light, deep, moist and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with its base in the shade. It is frost resistant. However, it does not like stagnant humidity, so the substrate must be well-drained and watering should be moderate (if necessary, in the first year). It is suitable for container cultivation if the pot is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter).

'Black Tea' is a climber that can reach a height of 3m (10ft) and a width of 1.5m (5ft). It belongs to Group 2, which means it has large flowers and blooms in spring, with a second bloom in autumn. The previous year's stems will bear the spring flowers from May to June. These flowers are normally composed of 6 to 8 petals with a whitish and fluffy reverse, reaching 12cm (5in) in diameter. The late summer flowers (borne on the current year's branches) will appear in September. The flowers, then single stars, display the same shades that give them a piquant charm. They reveal a cream-white stamen core with light red tips. Subsequently, fruits appear, which will adorn the foliage until winter. The leaves, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets, are deciduous and a beautiful bright green. They are borne on voluble petioles called tendrils that curl around their support.

It will look wonderful in a container with a trellis to support it. It will flower for a long time, even in partial shade. Plant some spring bulbs or a geranium at its base and enjoy the spectacle with minimal maintenance. It can also be planted with a bell-shaped clematis, such as C. viticella 'Etoile Rose', with its light form and bright colour. If you have a larger space, this non-invasive clematis can creep up a bamboo teepee or a column, bringing verticality to a bed of vibrant colours. To fully appreciate the dark colour of its flowers, plant it against a light wall or on a bush with golden foliage.