Clematis viticella Dark Eyes

Clematis 'Dark Eyes' is as refined and floriferous as its parent, C. viticella. Its small flowers are a rich violet-purple and have dark stamens. This climbing plant blooms from April to October with a first major wave in spring and a less pronounced second bloom from September. This medium-sized clematis is incredibly versatile and can be used to enhance pots and containers in small gardens. It is ideal for dressing up tall spaces, such as small trellises or non-flowering shrubs. Its flowering is sublime in the light or against very light foliage.

The 'Dark Eyes' cultivar is a German creation from 2001 derived from C. viticella, also known as the Italian clematis. It is a deciduous climbing or voluble liana with a woody base, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is characterised by a generous and long summer flowering of small single flowers with 4 white, blue, or pink petals. The compound leaves consist of 5 to 7 entire leaflets of a beautiful vibrant green. They are carried by voluble petioles called tendrils that wrap around their support. Like most of its cousins, it prefers light, moist and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with its base always shaded. This hardy climber withstands cold and does not fear frost. However, it does not like stagnant moisture, so the substrate must be well-draining and watering should be moderate (if necessary, in the first year). It is suitable for container cultivation if the container is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter).

Clematis 'Dark Eyes' can reach up to 3m (10ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width. It belongs to group 3, which includes species with late-flowering on new growth. This group includes large-flowered climbing clematis blooming from July to September, small-flowered climbing clematis blooming between June and October, and herbaceous non-climbing clematis bearing flowers between July and October. 'Dark Eyes' belongs to the category of small-flowered clematis, along with other Italian clematis. Its single star-shaped flowers consist of 4 petals, 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. They are narrowly elliptical, acuminate, slightly recurved at the edges and tips, and overlapping at their base. The variety has a cluster of short, closely spaced stamens at its centre, which are not very noticeable as they are the same dark colour. They take on a more decorative silvery hue that contrasts with the petals. Dry fruits with feathery aigrettes appear later. They decorate the foliage until winter.

Clematis benefits from the proximity of other plants that drain the soil while protecting its base from drying out. Plant spring bulbs and a few ground-cover perennials such as geraniums or dead nettles at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. If you have a larger space, this clematis will climb over shrubs or a column and bring verticality to colourful flower beds. Climbing clematis are also the best companions for roses. The intensity of 'Dark Eyes' flowers will stand out better in the light or against the golden foliage of Mexican Orange Blossom 'Goldfinger'.