Clematis Savannah

Clematis viticella Savannah is a variety of clematis that tends to creep rather than climb, with long and numerous stems that create a lush and lightly scented ground cover throughout the summer. This plant charms with its natural style and delightful little pendulous bell-shaped flowers in a vibrant purple-pink that bloom abundantly against its light foliage. Let it wander among bushes or cascade down a wall, slope, planter, or large flower pot.

The Clematis genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Savannah' is a horticultural variety obtained in 2003 by Raymond Evison (UK). It is a hybrid of Clematis viticella and Clematis texensis. It belongs to the group of clematis that flower in summer on new growth. It is a non-climbing herbaceous perennial plant that quickly reaches a 1.30 m (4ft), with a spread of 1.5 m². Many new shoots emerge from the base each spring.

Clematis Savannah bears small, single flowers that do not fully open, with twisted and reflexed sepals forming a small bell. The flower's centre is filled with yellow-orange stamens. It blooms from June to September on the whole plant. The pendulous flowers are solitary or grouped in pairs or threes. The colour of the sepals is a deep pink-purple that does not fade in the sun. The nectar-rich and lightly scented flowers are followed by small feathery seed heads with a greyish-silver hue. The leaves are divided into small ovate to lanceolate, fairly dark green leaflets with irregularly serrated edges. The above-ground growth is deciduous and dies in winter.

Plant clematis alongside your climbing roses or in flowerbeds. It is a diverse genus with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of the ease of cultivation of C. viticella varieties to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Savannah' is easily grown in a sunny position and ordinary soil, between shrubs that flower at different times such as lilacs, mock oranges, or Japanese quinces. It will also add a beautiful touch of colour and charm to boxwood topiary and dwarf conifers. Lastly, this variety forms a beautiful duo with the variety I am Stanislaus, with its small light mauve flowers.