Clematis 'Markhams Pink'

Clematis 'Markhams Pink' was raised in 1935 by Ernest Markham, head gardener at the renowned Gravetye Manor in England. In his book Clematis (1935) he described it as C. macropetala var. markhamii – one of his finest introductions, bearing clear pink flowers. It received the RHS Award of Merit (AM) that same year on 5 March 1935; in 1993 it was further honoured with the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM). The semi-double, nodding bell-shaped flowers of 6–8 cm appear in a delicate, soft pink: outer sepals surround a dense ring of paler staminodes and cream stamens, giving each bloom its characteristic fullness.

'Markhams Pink' opens its flowers in April and May, making it one of the earliest clematis in flower. The main flush is generous, and after it has finished, decorative silky seedheads form and persist into autumn, gradually maturing into fluffy silver plumes. Growing to around 300 cm, it is well suited to trellises, obelisks, pergolas and wall-mounted climbing frames. A particular strength of this variety is its tolerance of all aspects: it thrives in full sun as well as in shaded north-facing positions, making it one of the most versatile spring-flowering climbers.

'Markhams Pink' is exceptionally hardy, surviving temperatures down to –28.8 °C (Zone 5). As an Atragene clematis it needs no regular pruning; if you wish to keep the plant within bounds, cut it back to approximately 100 cm in June after flowering. The Atragene group generally prefers well-drained soil that is not too rich in nutrients – avoid waterlogged conditions. Once established, it is low-maintenance and long-lived.