Clematis patens Viva la Vida

Clematis Viva la Vida caused a sensation at Plantarium 2022 with its exceptional flowering ability. This modest-sized variety produces an abundance of large purple flowers enhanced with crimson. It blooms for over three months, from June to September. The vibrantly coloured flowers transform the vegetation into a floral coat. Suitable for gardens of all sizes, Viva la Vida can also be grown in a large pot on a patio. 

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. Viva la Vida 'Zo18197', introduced in the Netherlands, is a perfectly perennial, hardy, semi-woody climbing plant that will reach a height of approximately 2m (7ft), with a minimum spread of 1m (3ft). This clematis bears large flowers that can reach 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in diameter, which appear on the previous year's shoots in June. At the end of summer, they bloom again on the current year's shoots. The flowers are solitary and have 6 broad pointed tepals with undulated edges that slightly overlap. Their base colour is a vivid violet marked by a central purple zone. The centre of the flower is adorned with a crown of violet stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative feathered silver-grey fruits that persist until winter. The dark green glabrous leaves are divided into 3 elliptical to lanceolate leaflets. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter. This clematis firmly attaches itself to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis with climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. Viva la Vida pairs well with the red flowers of Clematis 'Rebecca' and C. 'Rosalyn', the white corollas of C. 'Baby Star' or C. 'Miss Bateman'. It can climb a fence or cover a wall exposed to the morning sun. Sweet peas are also wonderful companions to smaller clematis, providing beautiful fragrance.

Avoid excessive use of fertiliser, as this stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch in order to avoid excessive moisture.