Clematis 'Aromatica'

Clematis × aromatica is one of the oldest scented clematis of all: it was raised in France around 1845 from a cross between Clematis flammula and Clematis integrifolia. Its small, star-shaped flowers of 2–3 cm open a deep purple that gradually matures to blue-violet, set off by a fine contrast of long, creamy-white stamens. Its greatest asset, however, is the scent — spicy-sweet, reminiscent of vanilla and heliotrope.

From June to August the flowers appear in great numbers. At around 150 cm, 'Aromatica' grows as a herbaceous perennial and does not climb by itself: let it weave through small shrubs, roses or neighbouring perennials, give it a support or place it in the centre of an obelisk — it also thrives in a container. Choose a sunny spot near a seating area, as the scent unfolds most strongly in full sun.

Clematis × aromatica is very winter-hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C). Cut it back to about 5 cm in March (pruning group 3) — it readily reshoots from the base. Free-draining soil is important, as it tolerates winter wet far less well than frost. A tip: trim faded stems in summer and a second flush will follow after about six weeks.