Clematis texensis Notre-Dame de Paris - - Scarlet Leather Flower

Clematis texensis 'Notre-Dame de Paris' is a Clematis variety that is quite rare in cultivation despite its obvious ornamental qualities. This vigorous climber reaches 3 to 4m in height thanks to its stems that twine around their support, whether a trellis, arbour, or even another plant. The beautiful, clear green foliage provides a perfect setting for the flowering, which blooms all summer. The flowers resemble small tulips, their colour a deep pink, contrasting with the foliage. With fairly fast growth, the plant grows in humus-bearing, moist and well-drained soil, with its feet in shade and head in the sun. It can also be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace.

Clematis belong to the large Ranunculaceae family, which includes about 2,500 species distributed across some sixty genera, among which are garden plants well known for their flowering, such as Anemones, Buttercups, Globeflowers, and Columbines. Within this family, the Clematis genus stands out for its richness, gathering nearly 300 species. These include both herbaceous perennials and climbers, whether deciduous or evergreen. Their geographic distribution is very wide: they grow in Europe as well as Asia (Himalaya, China), Australia, and the American continent. To these wild species is added a profusion of horticultural varieties, all competing in charm, making the choice particularly difficult for garden enthusiasts.
The Texas Clematis or Clematis texensis is, as its species name suggests, endemic to that American state. More precisely, it originates from the Edwards Plateau, north of the Llano plain, where it grows on limestone cliffs and rocky stream banks. Due to this very limited natural area, it is considered vulnerable in the wild. Its local common name, "scarlet leather flower", stems from the fact that it is the only species with truly red flowers and quite thick petals. These bloom on the current year's shoots, which die back in winter. In its natural habitat, this perennial with a woody base creeps along the ground and climbs up to 3m high as soon as it finds support.
'Notre-Dame de Paris' is a horticultural variety distinguished notably by the colour of its flowers. With vigorous and fairly fast growth, it reaches 3 to 4m in height and 1.5 to 2m in width, covering its support with its beautiful, clear green foliage. The leaves, composed of several leaflets, are slightly glossy on the upper surface and somewhat leathery. The thin, twining stems, which barely become woody during the season, twine very easily around the first support they find, whether artificial or natural. You can therefore easily guide it over a trellis or arbour, or a large shrub. From July until September, deep pink flowers bloom steadily. The closed flower buds look strikingly like small, 4 to 5 cm long tulips. Then they open out into a trumpet at the tip, revealing four thick petals (actually tepals) with pointed ends. Their colour harmonises perfectly with the foliage, creating a superb harmony throughout the growing season. When the flowers fade, they give way to charming silver-grey feathery seed heads. In winter, all the above-ground parts die back before regrowing the following spring.

Texas Clematis form a distinct group within the genus, appreciated for their adaptability and resistance to wilt disease. Moreover, their flowering lasts all summer. Pair your Clematis 'Notre-Dame de Paris' with a climbing rose such as 'Snow Fairy', whose white flowers will blend perfectly with the deep pink. You can also create a beautiful scene by choosing Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Venice', a star jasmine less vigorous than the species type, whose white flowers will offer you their delightful fragrance, while the evergreen dark green foliage remains ornamental in winter. If you wish, you can let your Clematis run along the ground mixing it with perennials or low shrubs to create an original scene. Choose plants with summer flowering, such as the easy-to-grow Caryopteris or a Buddleia 'Blue Chip', a dwarf butterfly bush with charming blue-mauve spikes.