Clematis x viticella 'Etoile Violette'

Francisque Morel obtained the 'Etoile Violette' Clematis in France in 1885. Vigorous and floriferous, this pretty, easy-to-grow climber has brought joy to generations of gardeners, whether experienced or beginners. It bears many medium-sized flowers, with deep purple pendulous star-shaped petals and contrasting creamy-yellow stamens, for several weeks in summer. Derived from the Italian Clematis, it is perfectly hardy, not demanding in terms of soil, and resistant to disease. Awarded by the RHS in England for its many qualities, this Clematis adapts to all regions!

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, especially in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The hybrid variety 'Etoile Violette' is a robust, fully perennial and hardy, semi-woody and climbing plant with slender stems that can reach a height of between 3m (10ft) and 3.50m (11ft), with a minimum spread of 1m (3ft). It possesses the genes of C. viticella, a particularly disease-resistant species that can tolerate fairly chalky or even dry soils in summer.

The star-shaped flowers, with four petals and a diameter of 7-8cm (3in), appear on the current year's shoots from July until the end of summer, and sometimes even until autumn, without interruption. The flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes and are particularly abundant. They are trailing to semi-erect and have wide petals, often curved at the edges, of a deep violet colour. The centre of the flower is adorned with cream to greenish stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative silvery-grey feathery fruits that persist until winter. The pinnate leaves, with lanceolate leaflets with acute tips, are glabrous and of a relatively deep green colour. This Clematis clings to supports or host plants using petioles transformed into tendrils. Its leaves dry up and disappear in winter.

Plant your Clematis alongside your climbing roses or ramblers to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Place them next to pretty perennials such as geraniums, carnations, garden irises, peonies, nemorosa sage, and phlox, which will provide the shade it appreciates at its base. This is a rich and diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of the easy cultivation of Clematis viticella to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Etoile Violette' loves to weave through bushes and performs excellently in a large pot. Let it climb on a lilac, an abelia, a large shrub rose, or even in a free hedge.