Clematis 'Enham Star'

The evergreen clematis armandii 'Enham Star' was selected by the horticultural division of the British charity Enham (Enham Trust, Hampshire) and introduced in 2002/2003 — named after its place of origin. Its 5–7 cm, richly scented flowers appear creamy white and often flushed with soft pink, with four to six narrow petals and creamy stamens; the leathery, glossy dark green foliage emerges bronze.

From March to April the flowers open generously in clusters along the previous year's wood. Reaching up to 600 cm, 'Enham Star' is superbly suited to trellises, pergolas and other supports on sunny walls sheltered from cold winds — as a pruning group 1 variety it needs virtually no cutting back for flowering, but it does grow vigorously and needs room.

Hardiness is rated at zone 9 (-6.6 to -1.2 °C); in sheltered spots the plant also copes with cooler winters, though it dislikes icy wind. To keep its vigorous growth in check, cut 'Enham Star' back to about 200 cm in May — wear gloves while doing so, as the sap can irritate the skin. Like most clematis, it needs a few years to establish before showing its full flowering glory.