Clematis patens Kingfisher

The Clematis 'Kingfisher' is a recent and floriferous variety of Clematis, specifically selected for its suitability for pot cultivation and for its compact growth, well suited to small spaces. With a compact and sturdy habit, this pretty climbing plant produces very beautiful flowers of a bright blue-violet illuminated by a heart of white stamens and yellow styles. It blooms in spring, and again in late summer, almost along its entire height. It will create a sensation on the terrace, as well as in the ground, on a fence, a small tree or a trellis.

Clematis belong to the family of Ranunculaceae. They are found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, North and Central America. The variety 'Kingfisher', obtained in 2007 in England, is a perfectly perennial and hardy, semi-woody and climbing plant, which will reach an average height of 2m (7ft), with a spread that is almost equivalent. It belongs to the group of large-flowered patent clematis.

This clematis bears flowers measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in diameter that appear on the previous year's wood in spring, in May-June, and then a second time on the current year's growth, in September. The flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters and abundant. They are erect and have a wide corolla composed of 6 to 8 overlapping petals. They are slightly undulate at the edges, tinted with violet-blue and a darker violet in the middle on the upper side, while the underside is violet-blue with a lighter violet-blue central line mixed with white. The centre of the corolla is occupied by a bouquet of cream-white stamens and yellow pistils. The flowering is followed by decorative, feathery, silver-grey fruits that persist until winter. The leaves, deciduous, are sometimes single, sometimes alternate and divided into 3 rounded leaflets. They measure an average of 10 cm (4in), are glabrous and of a medium green color. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

'Kingfisher', with its generous flowering, vigour and compact growth, is perfect in a large pot on the terrace where it will live for many years. Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses or other climbing plants, to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. They also love to climb on bushes, and pair well with white, red or pink flowers: don't hesitate to combine several varieties with simultaneous or staggered flowering times. 'Kingfisher's blue flowers are enhanced by the autumn foliage, and look absolutely stunning against the large scarlet to garnet leaves of the red vine, or against the flamboyant colours that the smoke tree takes on from mid-September.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilisation that stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture that promotes wilt disease.