Clematis viticella Royal Velours

Clematis viticella 'Royal Velours' has been a companion for generations of gardeners for over 100 years. This excellent French cultivar of C. viticella produces an abundance of single flowers throughout summer. They are medium-sized, with a rich and dark reddish-purple colour that is exceptionally velvety. It is a climbing vine-plant with vigorous, light, and graceful growth. It tolerates sunny exposures and dry soils quite well, and adorns even the humblest support with floral garlands. It is a reliable and robust variety, suitable for cultivation by beginners as well. Its dark flowers will look wonderful entwined in a bush with silver or grey foliage.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Royal Velours' is a horticultural variety obtained in Lyon in the 1900s by Francisque Morel. It is notably derived from Clematis viticella, the Italian clematis native to southern Europe, which is resistant to wilt disease. 'Royal Velours' belongs to the group of clematis that flower in summer on the current year's growth. It is a vigorous and climbing semi-woody perennial plant that will reach a height of 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft), with a spread of 2m² (7ft²). It has a rapid growth rate.

From June to September, this clematis bears medium-sized, fully open single flowers. The bisexual flowers are either solitary or grouped in cymes, upright or pendulous. They have 4 sepals of a deep red to crimson colour that becomes very dark, with a velvety texture. They are star-shaped with short purple stamens and yellow anthers. The flowering is followed by decorative greyish-silver feathery fruits. The small leaves are irregular and lobed, with irregularly serrated edges. They are olive-green and lighter on the underside.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses and climbers to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This genus is rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Royal Velours' is very easy to grow in the garden. Its dark red flowers pair well with apricot-coloured roses ('Ghislaine de Feligonde', 'Alchymist', 'Crepuscule') and shrubs with grey foliage (Olearia 'Quick Silver', elaeagnus, Pyrus salicifolia).