Clematis Moonfleet

Clematis Moonfleet is a variety of clematis with large flowers in a delightful range of colours evolving from bluish mauve to soft lilac pink, in perfect harmony with a cluster of almost violet stamens. These large corollas bloom from the bottom to the top of the plant, first in late spring, and then again in late summer, creating a beautiful gradient of colours. Its moderate growth is suitable for gardens of all sizes, as well as container cultivation.

The Clematis genus belongs to the ranunculaceae family. 'Moonfleet' is a horticultural variety obtained in 2010 by Raymond Evison in England. It is derived from Clematis patens, a woody clematis native to low-altitude forests in the northern Japanese islands. It belongs to the group of clematis that bloom twice. The first flowering appears in spring on the previous year's shoots, then a second flowering occurs in late summer on the current year's shoots. It is a woody climbing perennial plant with short stems, reaching 2m (7ft) high and spreading to 1m². Every spring, numerous new shoots emerge from its base.

This clematis bears 15 to 18cm (6 to 7in) diameter flowers, with single blooms composed of 6 large wavy tepals, striped along the central vein and slightly overlapping. They start mauve lilac and turn pink. The flowers have a cluster of reddish-purple stamens. They can be solitary or grouped in clusters. The bright green leaves are sometimes single, sometimes trifoliate, and strongly veined. This clematis clings to a support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils. The deciduous leaves dry up and fall off in autumn.

Plant clematis alongside your climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Let 'Moonfleet' climb with 'Little Mermaid' or 'Baby Charm', for example, in dwarf conifers, bamboo, or ornamental apple trees to bring life to their beautiful foliage twice a year. This genus is rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Moonfleet', thanks to its modest stature, will be perfectly happy in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door.