Clematis patens Viva Polonia

Clematis 'Viva Polonia' has been named after the Polish flag due to its large red flowers bearing white star-shaped markings. These flowers can be seen from a distance. This compact variety blooms abundantly in spring, and then again on new shoots until late summer. It is both cheerful and easy to grow, and is not very susceptible to diseases. Like all clematis in the Patens group, it enjoys having its roots in cool soil and its head in the sun, whether in the ground or in a pot.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They can be found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The 'Viva Polonia' variety is a horticultural hybrid created by the famous Polish breeder Szczepan Marczynski, and is part of the Patens group. It is a perfectly perennial and hardy climbing plant, reaching a height of about 2m (7ft) with a minimum spread of 1m (3ft).

This 'Viva Polonia' clematis bears single flowers that are 12 to 15cm (5 to 6in) in diameter. It blooms in May-June on the previous year's shoots, and then again on new shoots. They bloom in successive waves throughout summer. The upright flowers are either solitary or grouped in clusters and are particularly abundant. They have a rounded shape and consist of 6 wide petals that overlap at the base. Each bright pink-red petal is striated with white in the middle, which plunges into a pure white throat, creating a pattern that adds depth to the flower. The pinnate leaves, with oval, glabrous leaflets, are of the patens type and are fairly dark green. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter. This clematis clings to its support or host plant using petioles that have transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses or lianas to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This genus is rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden, as well as your balcony, a romantic and bohemian touch. Just like sweet peas, morning glories, and nasturtiums, 'Viva Polonia' loves to weave through bushes. It thrives in a large pot, with its roots in the shade and its head in the sun. 

Tips: light and regular watering, accompanied by mulching, helps maintain moisture at the plant's base. Pruning helps it to branch out and regain vigour after very cold winters. You can prune it in March, up to a height of 50cm (20in).