Clematis patens Arctic Queen

Clematis Arctic Queen ('Evitwo'), introduced in 1989 by the genus specialist Raymond Evison, is often considered the best of the large double-flowered clematis. This variety bears pure white double flowers that are perfectly shaped. They bloom for a long period on a vigorous and reliable plant with moderate growth. These qualities earned it the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2002, the gold medal of the plant world. Let it climb in a bush, dress up a fence, or beautify your patio.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Arctic Queen is a hybrid horticultural variety derived in particular from Clematis patens, a woody clematis native to low-altitude forests in the northern Japanese islands. It is a Group 2 clematis that blooms twice. The first flowering appears in late spring on the previous year's shoots. The second wave of flowers bloom in late summer on the current year's shoots. It is a woody climbing perennial plant that will reach 3m (10ft) in height, with a spread of 1.5m² (5ft²). Every spring, new shoots emerge from its base.

This clematis bears 12 to 15cm (5 to 6in) diameter double flowers (sometimes more) without petal-like stamens in the centre. The numerous petals are initially curled and tinged with green. At full bloom, the corollas are a pure white colour. They display a bouquet of pale-yellow stamens in their centre. The bisexual flowers are either solitary or grouped in cymes. They are always double, in June-July as well as in August-September. The bright green leaves are simple, palmate, and strongly veined. Its deciduous foliage dries up and falls in autumn. This clematis clings to its support or host plant through modified petioles that become tendrils. 

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Let Arctic Queen climb with 'Little Mermaid' or 'Multiblue', for example, in laurel hedges, bamboo, or ornamental apple trees to animate their beautiful foliage twice a year. It is a genus 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. Arctic Queen will be perfectly happy in a large pot on a balcony or next to a doorway.