Clematis 'Pink Delight'

Clematis 'Pink Delight' was raised in 1992 by Dutch breeder Wim Snoeijer from a cross between Clematis integrifolia 'Rosea' and Clematis viticella 'Rubra', and was introduced to the trade in 2003. This parentage makes it a classic member of the Diversifolia group: its single, narrowly bell-shaped flowers are about 7 cm across, a rich pink that fades to paler edges on the tepals.

From June to August, 'Pink Delight' produces its nodding bells in great abundance – thanks to its bushy, upright habit without clinging tendrils, it behaves more like a scrambling perennial than a classic clematis: without the usual twining leaf-stalks, it needs a support or an open framework of shrubs, roses or an obelisk to lean on. At around 225 cm tall, it suits sunny herbaceous borders well and also makes an attractive cut flower.

'Pink Delight' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C) and rewards a hard prune: cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March, and it will regrow vigorously and flower all the more generously.