Clematis patens Exciting

Clematis patens 'Exciting' is a new and rare variety with an abundance of violet flowers with golden stamens. It blooms from June to September in successive waves.

This robust clematis reaches a height of 1.5m (5ft). This semi-bushy plant bears purple flower buds that open into lovely 6-branched violet stars with prominent golden stamens. The flowers are 3 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. Its medium green oval leaves, 8cm (3in) long, are borne by voluble stems that twine around their support with tendrils. The foliage is deciduous.

This hardy clematis prefers light, well-worked, deep, moist and fertile soil. It likes a sunny position. It prefers cool roots, so place ground cover plants around it to provide shade.

Clematis 'Exciting' is ideal for container cultivation or on a small bamboo structure. This elegant climber pairs very well with evergreen shrubs with golden foliage.

Avoid excessive fertilisation that stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch in order to avoid excessive moisture that promotes wilting disease.