Clematis Red Passion

Clematis 'Red Passion' is a new variety of large-flowered clematis from the Netherlands, a prestigious creation whose origin is a jealously guarded secret. This lovely climbing plant, 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) tall, has lots of large, double flowers in spring, and again in late summer, in an unusual warm and bright raspberry red, with a fluffy grey-purple reverse. This amazing little climber will thrive in full sun or partial shade, it will weave its way through a large bush, or even grow in a large pot on the terrace.

Clematis belong to the buttercup family. They are found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, North and Central America. The variety 'Red Passion', recently obtained in the Netherlands and introduced in 2017, is a perennial and hardy, semi-woody climbing plant, which will reach a height of 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft), with a minimum spread of 1.25 m (4ft). 

This clematis bears very double flowers, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, which appear on the previous year's wood from April to June, and then again on the current year's shoots, from late summer to autumn. The flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters and particularly abundant. They are upright with a multitude of red-pink petals with a lighter base and a silky reverse. They somewhat resemble the pompoms of the clematis viticella Purpurea Plena Elegans, but are more vividly coloured and larger. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery silver-grey seed heads that persist until winter. The deciduous leaves are divided into small, smooth, rounded, medium green leaflets. This clematis clings to its support or host plant with tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside yourclimbing roses to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Red Passion', which loves climbing in bushes, pairs well with the white or pink flowers of lilacs, deutzia or Kolkvitzia amabilis Pink Cloud. It also performs well in a large pot. Create unusual spring bouquets by picking a few branches loaded with flowers, mixed with pink or purple peonies, double tulips Angelique or Maureen, or mauve or pink irises, and many other garden flowers.