Clematis Sugar Sweet

Clematis Sugar Sweet or 'Scented Clem' is a recent Dutch variety that lovers of fragrant climbing plants will be eager to get their hands on. This clematis may be the only one among the late spring flowering varieties to have the distinct and delicate fragrance of acacia. Its bright, silvery lilac-blue flowers, are like a scattering of large stars on surprisingly light foliage. It is a medium to modest size and fits easily in a small garden or a pot on the terrace. This clematis is a robust, hardy, and disease-resistant plant, suitable for planting in full sun or partial shade, in a romantic, fragrant, or English-style garden.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia and North and Central America. Sugar Sweet is a variety recently obtained in the Netherlands by the genus specialist Ton Hannink, which still holds some secrets. This hybrid with extraordinary characteristics is said to possess genes from Clematis florida, C. cadmia, and C. courtoisii, among others. It also has genes from Clematis viticella, native to Southern Europe, which is disease-resistant and tolerant to relatively dry soils. This is a perennial, hardy, semi-woody, climbing plant which will reach a height of about 2.70m (9ft), with a minimum spread of 80cm (32in).

The star-shaped flowers with six petals, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, appear on the current year's shoots from April-May to June. The abundant flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters and emerge from bright blue buds. They face upright towards the sky and have 6 elongated diamond-shaped tepals in a solid, luminous lavender blue to satin lilac. Over time, a silver line appears in the centre of each tepal. The centre of the flower has a cream-yellow stamen heart. The deciduous leaves with lanceolate and pointed leaflets, are smooth and fairly light green. The entire foliage is of the viticella type, giving a very airy feel. This clematis clings to its support or host plant using petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Place pretty perennials such as geraniums, carnations, nemorosa sage, and phlox next to it, which will give the shade it likes. This is a rich and diverse genus, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Sugar Sweet' deserves a place near the house or a pathway, if only for its fragrance. It also loves to weave itself through bushes and performs well in a large pot.