Clematis 'Frankie'

Clematis alpina 'Frankie' was raised in England around 1990 by breeder Frank Meecham of Lincolnshire and introduced in 1991 by Raymond Evison. Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers show four mid-blue sepals with a hint of mauve around an inner white 'skirt' of staminodes, the outer ones tipped blue; the sepals reach about 5 cm.

'Frankie' is one of the very earliest clematis to flower, often opening its blooms as soon as April – sometimes already in late March – with a further flush into May. At around 250 cm, it suits trellises, fences, pergolas and small shrubs, and also thrives in a large container. It copes well in any aspect, sun or partial shade – the roots and base of the plant should just stay cool and shaded.

'Frankie' is reliably hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C) and received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. For vigorous growth and abundant flowering next year, cut your Clematis Frankie back to about 100 cm in June. Moist, well-drained soil lets the plant sprout and flower reliably year after year.