Clematis Honora

Clematis 'Honora' bears an abundance of deep purple flowers enhanced by wine-red stamens. It reaches up to 4m (13ft) tall with a width of 2m (7ft). Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil with the base in the shade and the head in the sun. With its substantial size and ability to cling to surfaces with its voluble petioles, it can cover large areas such as walls, fences, or an old tree.

Like most of its relatives, 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).

'Honora' can reach up to 4m (13ft) tall with a width of 2m (7ft). It is a group 2 clematis, meaning it has large flowers and blooms in spring, with a second flush in autumn. The lignified stems from the previous year will bear spring flowers from May to June. The late summer flowering (carried by the current year's branches) will occur in September. The flowers, then single stars, normally have 6 to 8 tepals and are of medium size, reaching 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. They reveal a full heart of prickly stamens. Afterwards, fruits appear, decorating the foliage and lasting until winter. The deciduous and bright green leaves are composed of 3 to 5 leaflets. They are carried by voluble petioles called tendrils that wrap around their support.

Plant spring bulbs and ground-cover perennials, such as white-flowering geraniums, at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. If you have a larger space, this vigorous clematis can weave through bushes or up a column, adding verticality to a colourful flower bed. Large-flowered repeat-blooming clematis are the best companions for roses. Its dark flowering will be enhanced when planted with large shrubs with light green and golden foliage, or with other contrasting climbers like the cluster-flowered Akebia 'Cream Form'.