Clematis viticella John Howells - Italian Leather Flower

Clematis John Howells is characterised by a significant summer flowering like other C. viticella. From June to September, it presents an abundance of 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) wide star-shaped flowers composed of 4 to 6 widely imbricated cherry red petals, with darker burgundy-red stamens. This medium-sized deciduous climber will easily cover a small trellis or unsightly wire mesh. Keep its head in the sun and its base cool in fertile, well-drained soil.

John Howells is a 1999 creation by Wim Snoeijer in the Netherlands. It comes from Clematis viticella, also known as Italian clematis. It is a deciduous climber with a woody base, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is characterised by a generous and very long summer flowering, with small single flowers with 4 white, blue or pink petals. The compound leaves consist of 5 to 7 entire leaflets of a beautiful bright green color. They are carried by voluble petioles called tendrils that wrap around their support. Like most of its cousins, it prefers light, deep, moist, and fertile soil that is preferably neutral. It enjoys a sunny or partially shaded position, with its base always in shade. It resists cold temperatures and is not afraid of frost, even if prolonged. However, it does not tolerate stagnant humidity, so the substrate must be well-drained and watering should be moderate (if necessary, during the first year). It can be grown in a container if the pot is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter.

John Howells can reach up to 3m (10ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width. It is a Group 3 clematis, which includes species that flower late on the current year's growth. This group includes large-flowered climbing clematis that bloom from July to September, small-flowered climbing clematis that bloom between June and October, and non-climbing herbaceous clematis that bear flowers between July and October. John Howells belongs to the category of small-flowered clematis, along with other Italian clematis. Its star-shaped single flowers are composed of red petals, more oval than elliptical, widely overlapping at their base. The variety has a cluster of short, closely spaced stamens at its centre. As they open, they lengthen and become golden yellow, surrounding the darker eye of its flowers. Subsequently, dry fruits with feathery aigrettes appear.

Clematis benefits from the proximity of other plants that drain the soil while protecting its base from drying out. Plant spring bulbs and some ground-cover perennials like geraniums or dead nettles at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. Alternatively, a dense mulch will do the trick but will be less aesthetically pleasing. If you have a larger space, this clematis can weave through shrubs or climb up a column, bringing verticality to a colourful flower bed. Climbing clematis are also the best companions for roses. The vibrant colour of this Italian clematis will be enhanced when paired with light green or golden foliage and lavender flowers. Consider planting alchemillas at its base and let it climb into a wisteria.