The most spectacular clematis

The largest flowers

Some clematis boast spectacularly sized flowers that appear to rest on the foliage, from which they stunningly stand out:

• Clematis patens ‘Picotee’: this new horticultural variety, quite rare and derived notably from Clematis patens, features large star-shaped flowers that can measure up to 14 cm in diameter. Bicoloured and semi-double, they have an initial spring flowering on last year’s shoots, followed by a second repeat flowering in late summer on this year’s shoots, with white petals broadly edged in fuchsia pink. These large flowers stand out remarkably on this small liana, whose modest growth (height at maturity of 2 m with a width of 1 m) makes it a perfect subject that can fit anywhere, to be grown for a fantastic effect in pots. Simple, dark green deciduous leaves. To be grown in full sun, in well-drained soil, it is hardy down to -29 °C.
• Clematis ‘Mrs. Georges Jackman’: an incredible elegance for this beautiful deciduous liana, bearing large satin cream-white flowers in spring and late summer with a heart enhanced by a light yellow hue and coppery anthers. The spring flowers are semi-double, while the second flowering features simple flowers forming cups up to 18 cm in diameter. Like the previous one, ‘Mrs. Georges Jackman’ is a small climbing clematis (height at maturity of 2.50 m with a width of 1.00 m), ideal for climbing on a stone wall, a trellis, or decorating a terrace. It is a hardy (down to -23.5 °C) and robust plant that simply requires a bright location and good garden soil that remains cool in summer.
• Clematis ‘Red Star’: producing large flowers 10 to 12 cm in diameter, magenta red with green speckles, ‘Red Star’ deserves its place among the must-haves of clematis. This magnificent Japanese variety produces an initial double flowering in the form of large pom-poms in spring, while the flowers that bloom in late summer are often simple. It is a small liana of 2 m, ideal for container growing or for greening the verticals of small gardens.

Clematis ‘Picotee’, ‘Mrs. Georges Jackman’ and ‘Red Star’

The most double flowers

Some clematis seem to play with appearances and their flowers can sometimes resemble Dahlias, with which they could almost be confused, so double are their flowers.

• Let’s highlight the Clematis ‘Multi Pink’, truly unique for its large flowers that are very double and frilly in a soft candy pink. This is a vigorous clematis reaching 3 metres, with rapid growth, easy to grow, and well-flowering throughout the summer.
• Clematis ‘Delphine’ will fall into the same category, with its double cream-white flowers accented with acid green, lightening towards the centre to lemon yellow: opulent and full flowers in May-June, followed by simple autumn flowers revealing a heart of yellow cream stamens striated with purple pink. This small voluble liana is perfect for small spaces.
• Finally, let’s note the magnificent and tender Clematis ‘Patricia Ann Fretwell’, which produces large flowers in spring measuring 8 to 10 cm, showcasing a very double and soft pink heart, surrounded by a wider corolla of light pink petals with a broad median tinted in deep pink. The September flowering is simple. This exuberant small liana settles at the foot of bushes, in hedges, but also in pots or containers to adorn the terrace or balcony.

Clematis ‘Multi Pink’, ‘Delphine’ and ‘Patricia Ann Fretwell’

The most original flowers

Do you want to add originality to your landscaping? Some clematis certainly do not lack it and will charm you with their quirky and unique appearance. Consider:

• The wonderful Clematis jackmanii ‘Tie Dye’, which from June to September boasts blue-violet flowers splashed with touches of white. This is a floriferous, vigorous, and very hardy clematis that climbs everywhere up to 3 m high, clinging to supports with its tendrils. Its deciduous leaves are simple and entire, with a glossy dark green hue.
• The Clematis (x) patens ‘Green Passion‘, a new variety that stands out for its large, very double and frilly flowers of an astonishing soft green, which bloom in May-June. This hardy and deciduous clematis reaches 2 to 3 m.
• The Clematis ‘Taiga’, awarded at Plantarium 2016, is unique for its large, very double flowers appearing from summer to autumn. They go through three phases: first as a large light green floral bud surrounded by a 6-pointed star. It gradually opens, releasing blue-violet petals tipped with green. The colour mix shifts to purple and creamy white with a hint of pink: a marvel of uniqueness and an explosion of colours! It is a modest-statured liana that will thrive in the garden as well as in pots.
• The Clematis patens ‘Multi Blue’ : a sensational clematis that blooms early in spring and then again in September. Its large double flowers are a deep blue-violet and feature a silver and acid green pom-pom centre. This small liana, under 3 m, is truly magical and original.

→ Also check out our article on 7 clematis with unique flowering

Clematis jackmanii ‘Tie Dye’, Clematis ‘Green Passion’, ‘Taiga’ and ‘Multi Blue’

The most intense colours

When it comes to colours, clematis are not shy, and some of them offer vibrant and rich hues that make a statement in the garden:

• For instance, Clematis ‘Kakio’ (or Pink Champagne) features large flowers in sumptuous colours that appear twice: in late spring and late summer. Their deep, changing shades vibrate in the range of pinks, leaning towards purple, with violet highlights.
• My favourite: The Clematis florida ‘Sieboldii’, very refined, produces beautiful cream-white flowers at the end of spring and throughout summer with stamens forming an astonishing violet bouquet at the heart of each flower. A marvel!
• The Clematis ‘H. F. Young’, with its intense blue is rare in the garden, standing out against bright green deciduous foliage.

Clematis ‘Kakio’ (F. D. Richards – Flickr), florida ‘Sieboldii’ and Clematis ‘H. F. Young’

Spectacularly growing clematis

Used to adorn trellises, fences, arches, trees or bushes, some clematis have an extraordinary growth and floribundity:

• The Clematis terniflora, robust and with incredibly vigorous growth, is covered in numerous small pure white, highly fragrant flowers at the end of summer and in autumn. Its foliage is semi-evergreen, with a beautiful glossy green. Very hardy, Clematis terniflora is best suited for large spaces, as it forms a dense bush that can reach 7 m in all directions, with rapid growth.
• The Clematis montana ‘Double Delight’, a variety of Clematis montana from the Himalayas, is a vigorous clematis that quickly reaches heights of 5 to 6 m. It abundantly produces beautiful double white flowers with a hint of pink, delightfully fragrant, first in spring and then again at the end of summer. Its abundant deciduous foliage is perfect for covering any support quickly and elegantly. It thrives everywhere and requires no pruning.
• The Clematis montana ‘Freda’: a robust liana that can reach 7 m in height, adorned from June to July on the previous year’s shoots, with simple flowers with 4 petals, bright pink speckled with white. Its deciduous leaves are bronze green to medium green, borne on voluble stems that wrap around their support with tendrils. This is truly a magnificent climber, very hardy, and will quickly cover a wall or pergola.

Clematis terniflora (Leonora (Ellie) Enking – Flickr), Clematis montana ‘Double Delight’ and Clematis montana ‘Freda’