Clematis x viticella Panther

Clematis viticella 'Panther' has the natural robustness and long summer flowering of Italian clematis, but this variety produces larger flowers, of an intense violet colour. They bloom for several weeks from June on a robust plant that can reach up to about 3m (10ft). This hardy climber is resistant to diseases. It will be satisifed with well-worked ordinary garden soil, and will live for many years in the garden.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Panther' is a French horticultural variety from Javoy nurseries. It is a hybrid derived in particular from Clematis viticella, native to southern Europe. It is a group 3 clematis that flowers in summer on the current year's growth. It is a semi-woody and climbing perennial plant, which will reach 2.5 to 3m (8 to 10ft) in height with a spread of 1.5m² (5ft²).

From June to September, 'Panther' bears single flowers, 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in diameter. They appear mainly in the upper half of the vegetation. The flowers are solitary, erect, and fully open. Each one has 6 rather narrow, slightly wavy and undulate sepals, of a deep violet colour. They are open on a bouquet of yellow stamens. The light green leaves are divided into ovate to lanceolate leaflets. The deciduous foliage dries in winter. This clematis clings to the support or to the host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of the ease of cultivation of the viticella group varieties to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Panther' is easily grown in the garden. Choose a sunny exposure and plant it in ordinary soil. It will tolerate dry summers better than large-flowered clematis. Let it climb over a shrub with a different flowering time, such as lilac, bamboo Fargesia, or Black Tower elder with purple foliage, for example. It forms a beautiful duo with the red flowers of Clematis 'Voluceau'.