Clematis Maria Cornelia

Clematis 'Maria Cornelia' is a relatively recent German selection derived from Clematis viticella, from which it inherits robustness and a long summer flowering period. 'Maria Cornelia' flowers are single, of good size for a clematis of this type, beautifully bright, and abundantly produced throughout the summer. Their refined colour, white shaded with cream and tinged with purple-violet, and their slightly wavy texture work well in gently sunny areas or part shade. This small climber is easy to grow and its moderate size is well suited for small gardens. It is also a very pretty variety to grow in a container on the terrace.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia and North and Central America. 'Maria Cornelia' was selected in Germany in 2011 and presented for competition at the Plantarium in Boskoop (Netherlands) in 2019. It descends from Clematis viticella, native to Southern Europe, known for its natural resistance to clematis wilt. It is a perennial, semi-woody, climbing herbaceous plant, which will reach an average height of 3.20 m (10ft), with a minimum spread of 1.25 m (4ft). This clematis bears fully open flowers, up to 8 cm (3in) in diameter, on the current year's shoots in successive waves from June to the end of summer. The flowers are solitary or grouped in small clusters. When they first appear, barely open and pointing downwards, they are a creamy greenish colour. As the flower matures, it straightens up and turns outward, revealing 4 petals that have become almost white, marked by a cream-coloured midline. The dark centre of the flower adds to its charm and the dark violet tips of the stamens beautifully highlight the whiteness of the flowers. The smooth leaves are divided into 3 elliptical to lanceolate, olive green leaflets. The foliage dries up and dies in winter. This clematis clings to support or host plants through petioles that have transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses ('New Dawn', 'Pomponella', 'Bouquet Parfait'), to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus with flowers available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Maria Cornelia' will pair well with the pink flowers of other small clematis, 'Patricia Ann Fretwell' or 'Little Mermaid' for example, to climb a fence or cover a wall exposed to the morning sun.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertiliser applications that can stimulate foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch, to avoid excessive moisture.