Clematis 'Purple Spider'

Clematis 'Purple Spider' was discovered by Wim Snoeijer in John Fopma's collection in Holland and raised by him; it was named in 1992 and introduced in 1993. Its 7–8 cm nodding flowers are bell-shaped, double to semi-double and a deep, very dark purple. Four tepals surround an inner skirt of about ten staminodes, which gives the blooms their delicate, spidery fullness.

'Purple Spider' flowers from April to May and reaches a height of around 300 cm. This makes it well suited to trellises, wall frames and pergolas, as well as walls and borders in city or cottage gardens. As an Atragene hybrid it thrives in sun as well as partial shade and in almost any aspect, sheltered or exposed. After flowering it adds interest in autumn with attractive seedheads.

This variety is very hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C). For vigorous growth, cut 'Purple Spider' back to about 100 cm in June. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil and set the crown 5–8 cm deep so that new shoots form from below ground; the roots appreciate shade from pebbles or companion plants.