Clematis 'Purpurea'

Clematis recta 'Purpurea' is a foliage form of the herbaceous Clematis recta and was introduced in the United Kingdom by the Daisy Hill Nursery in 1903. Its hallmark is the purply-bronze foliage with dark stems, which glows most strongly in spring and early summer. Above it open small, star-shaped white flowers of about 3-4 cm in loose panicles, giving off a strong, hawthorn-like scent.

'Purpurea' flowers from June to July. At around 125 cm it grows as a herbaceous perennial rather than a climber and forms a fresh, free-standing clump every year. As its stems become top-heavy over the summer, they appreciate a discreet support. The dark foliage makes a fine accent in a perennial border, beside roses or in a large pot; bees and butterflies like to visit the flowers. Choose a spot in sun to part shade with moist but well-drained soil, and keep the root zone cool.

'Purpurea' is very hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C). Cut it back to about 10 cm in March — it reshoots from the rootstock every year. It takes several years to reach full size, so give it time to establish. Wear gloves when cutting, as the sap can irritate the skin.