Clematis patens Doctor Ruppel

Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel' is a compact climbing plant, suitable for potted cultivation. It boasts abundant and perpetual flowering. Balconies and patios will quickly adopt this perennial with very romantic shades. From the end of spring, large, sometimes semi-double, flowers flood the foliage and bring colour and cheer to the garden. The tepals are bright pink over a central band and edged with pale-pink. They surround a heart bristling with white-cream stamens with brown anthers. This flowering will pause in summer and resume in September to sprinkle floral stars on the trellises and walls that this hardy plant likes to cover.

This cultivar was born in Argentina and bears the name of its breeder. It was introduced to Europe in the early 1970s by Jim Fisk. Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, this clematis, like most of its cousins, likes light, deep, moist, and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with its base always in shade. It is resistant to cold and does not fear frost, even if it is severe. On the other hand, it does not like stagnant moisture, so the substrate must be well-draining and watering should be moderate (if necessary in the first year). It is suitable for potted cultivation if the pot is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter).

'Doctor Ruppel' is a reasonably sized climber that can reach 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) in height. The previous year's stems will bear the spring flowers from May to June. These flowers are sometimes semi-double. They are composed of a minimum of 6 to 9 tepals and reach 15cm (6in) in diameter. The late summer flowering (carried by the current year's branches) will take place in September. The flowers display the same shades that give them a piquant charm. The soft light pink tepals end in a point, often with undulate margins. They are kissed in the centre by a fairly deep pink that enhances the whole. They open completely and reveal a heart of white-cream stamens with darker tips. Subsequently, fruits appear, which will adorn the foliage and remain until winter. The leaves, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets, are deciduous and a beautiful bright green. They are carried by voluble stems that twine around their support.

In a pot, with a trellis to support it, 'Doctor Ruppel' will reward owners of a small balcony and will flower for a long time even in partial shade. Place some spring bulbs at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. To enhance this picture a little more, Clematis 'Baby Star', as well as the 'pink and white arbour' collection, will keep it company in perfect harmony. Finally, if you have a larger space, this non-invasive clematis can weave its way on a bamboo teepee or a column, bringing verticality to a romantically inspired flower bed.