Clematis viticella Sunny Sky

Clematis Sunny Sky (Zosusk') is a particularly vigorous and hardy climber. In summer, it produces a cascade of small flowers with single blue-violet petals and a yellow-green centre, with slightly recurved petals and a darker central band. This beautiful variety will enhance any garden support with its generous and graceful flowering. It will look sublime in a pot on a patio or balcony.

Clematis 'Sunny Sky' belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a Dutch hybrid derived from C. viticella. It belongs to the group of late-flowering clematis, blooming on the current year's shoots. Clematis attach themselves to their support through petioles transformed into tendrils. This magnificent Italian clematis is a semi-woody climbing plant with deciduous foliage composed of medium green pinnate leaves with ovate leaflets that are slightly acuminate. It grows rapidly and can reach a height of 1.5 to 2m (5 to 7ft), with a spread of about 1m (3ft). From June to September, this splendid variety is covered with a mass of single flowers bearing 4 or 5 petals that are slightly recurved and concave, measuring 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. Its foliage almost disappears under the avalanche of its blue-violet flowers, with a darker central band, contrasting beautifully with a yellow-green stamen centre.

Clematis 'Sunny Sky' received a gold medal in 2009 at the famous Plantarium international trade fair in Boskoop, the Netherlands.

Late-flowering clematis, the quintessential climbing plants, are easy to grow and can be arranged in countless ways. Their undeniable romanticism pairs well with climbing and rambling roses. They dress up any type of support and can prolong the appeal of a faded hedge while waiting for the colours of autumn. Trained on a tree, they will brighten up foliage that is too monochromatic. When grown in pots, you can admire them on a patio or balcony. In any case, be sure to protect them from the hottest sun. The 'Sunny Sky' variety will be stunning when combined with a climbing rose, Japanese maple, bamboo, or wisteria. Use medium-height perennials to shade its base, such as epimedium, daylily, shasta daisy, hellebore, or avens. Choose species with yellow foliage or flowering to create a charming contrast with the blue-violet flowering of this clematis.