Clematis viticella Polish Spirit

Clematis 'Polish Spirit' is a variety with exceptional flowering from summer to autumn. Its small flowers, measuring 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in), are violet-purple or even amethyst depending on the light. They bear white-cream stamens with dark red tips. Its 4 to 5 tepals with irregularly undulated and backward-curved edges have all the informal charm of their wild parent. This deciduous climber is highly resistant to diseases and exhibits greater growth than other clematis. Use it to cover walls, unattractive fences, or uninteresting hedges. It appreciates sunny exposures where the colour of its flowers will attract the most attention. Plant it in rich, moist but well-drained soil.

The 'Polish Spirit' cultivar is the most popular creation of the Polish breeder S. Franczak. It comes from Clematis viticella, also known as 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-lasting summer flowering with small single flowers with 4 white, blue, or pink tepals. The compound leaves consist of 5 to 7 entire leaflets of a beautiful bright green. They are borne on voluble petioles called tendrils that twine 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.

'Polish Spirit' can reach a height of up to 5m (16ft) and a width of 2m (7ft). It is a group 3 clematis, which includes late-flowering species 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 with flowers between July and October. 'Polish Spirit' belongs to the category of small-flowered clematis, along with other Italian clematis. It flowers from July to September. Its foliage is darker green than other varieties. Its star-shaped single flowers have distinct coloured tepals, which are elliptical and acuminate, with more or less undulated and backward-curved edges. At their opening, the middles are slightly tinged with a purple-red colour. Later, they transform into dry fruits with persistent feathery egrets in winter, providing a notable decorative feature in the late season.

Clematis benefit 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, such as geraniums or lamiums, at its base and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance. Alternatively, a thick mulch will do the job, but will be less aesthetically pleasing. If you have a larger space, this clematis can weave its way through shrubs or up a column, adding verticality to a colourful garden bed. Climbing clematis also make excellent companions for roses. The vibrant colour of this Italian clematis will be enhanced when paired with light green, variegated, or golden foliage and white flowers. Consider planting alchemillas at its base and let it climb into a wisteria.