Clematis texensis Mienie Belle - Scarlet Leather Flower

This Texan clematis or Clematis texensis 'Mienie Belle' is a recent Dutch variety, very floriferous. It blooms in summer with adorable flowers, reminiscent of precious little botanical tulips, light carmine pink and pearly, opening into a star shape when mature to reveal a heart of yellow stamens. With a modest size, it is perfect for growing in pots, to cover a trellis or a fence. It requires a sheltered or sunny position and well-drained soil to flower well.

The genus Clematis belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae. 'Mienie Belle' is a recent Dutch horticultural variety, derived in particular from Clematis texensis, and belongs to clematis that flower in summer on new shoots. It is a semi-woody, climbing perennial plant that will reach 2m (7ft) in height, with a spread of 1m².

This clematis bears texensis-type flowers, small in size, 4 to 5 cm (2in) in length, from June to September. The bisexual flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes. They emerge as small pink buds, barely longer than the end of an index finger. Then they elongate and open into narrow campanulate bells, with a fairly fleshy texture. They have 4 pinkish carmine tepals with a darker pink median and mauve edges, fully open into a star shape when mature, with a creamy yellow stamen heart on a pinkish mauve background. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits, greyish with a silvery touch. The leaves are simple, leathery, palmate, with irregularly serrated edges. This clematis attaches itself to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Mienie Belle', thanks to its relatively small size, will also thrive in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door to welcome visitors with its long-lasting flowering.