Clematis 'Stolwijk Gold'

Clematis 'Stolwijk Gold' is a sport (mutation) of a Clematis alpina: the Dutchman Hans Stolwijk found it in 2001, and it was introduced in 2006. It is regarded as the first clematis with golden-yellow foliage. From reddish shoots unfolds bright golden-green to golden-yellow foliage, set off by nodding, wide-opening, bell-shaped flowers in violet-blue. The flowers measure about 5 cm and carry 4 to 8 lanceolate tepals.

'Stolwijk Gold' flowers in April and occasionally shows a sparse second flush in summer. From June into autumn it is decorated with delicate, fluffy seed heads. At around 300 cm it climbs trellises, fences, pergolas and obelisks and also suits a large container. It copes with any aspect, sun or partial shade – the foliage colour is strongest in full sun, however.

'Stolwijk Gold' is very hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C) and undemanding to look after. If needed, cut your Clematis Stolwijk Gold back to about 100 cm in June. Moist, well-drained soil lets it sprout reliably year after year. At Plantarium 2005 in the Netherlands the variety was awarded a silver medal.