Clematis 'OCTOPUS'

Clematis 'Octopus' was raised by Dutch breeder Wim Snoeijer, who selected it in 1999 at the Jan van Zoest nursery; it was introduced to the trade in 2007 under the cultivar name 'Zooct'. Its double, nodding flowers reach 6–8 cm across and display narrow, pointed purple sepals that curl tentacle-like around a dense ring of purple-white staminodes – true stamens are absent, making the flower purely ornamental and sterile.

The main flush appears from April to May, occasionally lasting into June. At around 300 cm, 'Octopus' suits trellises, obelisks and other supports well, and also thrives in containers – the pot should then be at least 45 cm deep and wide. As an alpine-type clematis it tolerates shadier, sheltered positions too, making it a good choice for north- or east-facing spots; it is happiest in cool, well-drained, moderately moist soil without waterlogging.

'Octopus' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C). For compact growth and abundant flowering, cut the plant back to about 100 cm in June. As the sap can irritate sensitive skin, it's best to wear garden gloves when pruning.