Clematis texensis Queen Maxima - Scarlet Leather Flower

The Clematis texensis 'Queen Maxima' is a superb variety of Texas clematis recently obtained in the Netherlands that stands out from its cousins belonging to the same group due to the beautiful size of its flowers. Its flowering takes place in summer, in successive waves, in the form of flowers resembling tulips with fleur-de-lis shapes, from 5 to 9 cm (2 to 4in), of an almost red pink colour, a bright and luminous shade that blends perfectly with late-season flowers. Of modest size, this small herbaceous vine sprouts from the stump every year and only requires a little cleaning in late winter. In the garden, robust and not very susceptible to wilt disease, it crawls and climbs happily on its neighbours. Also, place it in a large pot on the terrace, in a very sunny position in the North, but in partial shade in the South.

The genus Clematis belongs to the ranunculaceae family. 'Queen Maxima' is a very recent Dutch horticultural variety derived from Clematis texensis, a botanical species endemic to the southeast of the Edwards Plateau, Texas. It belongs to clematis that bloom in summer on barely lignified shoots of the year, which then disintegrate in winter. It is a woody-based, creeping and climbing perennial plant that will reach 2m (7ft) in height, with a spread of 1m².

This clematis bears texensis-type flowers, large in size, reaching up to 9 cm (4in) in length, from June to September. They are larger and more brightly coloured than those of the 'Princess Diana' variety. The bisexual flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters. They emerge as small pink buds, barely longer than the tip of the index finger. Then they elongate and open up into bell-shaped flowers with a very narrow neck, with a fairly fleshy texture. They widen as they open, presenting 4 tepals of carmine pink with a darker pink median and lighter margins, wide open in a star shape at maturity, with a bright pink interior plunging towards a cream stamen centre. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits, greyish-silver in colour. The leaves are small, rounded, heart-shaped, and dark green. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis in the company of your climbing roses or vines, but also your jasmines, 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. Texensis clematis can crawl through your flowerbeds and on low shrubs as they please, they do not require pruning. Their fresh and vibrant bell-shaped flowers accompany the most beautiful flowers of September: the stars of asters, the blue of caryopteris, or the pink of heather (Erica multiflora). 'Queen Maxima', due to its moderate growth, will also thrive in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door to welcome visitors with its long-lasting flowering.