Clematis 'Budapest'

Clematis integrifolia 'Budapest' goes back to a selection made by British breeder Raymond Evison before 1988: the starting material was seedlings grown from wild-collected seed sent from Budapest – hence the name. The small, nodding flowers reach about 4-5 cm across, in a rich dark blue to blue-violet with four slender sepals and striking yellow stamens.

From July to August, the flowers appear in abundance on the current year's growth. At around 50 cm, 'Budapest' stays very compact and, like most herbaceous clematis of the Integrifolia group, grows upright and bushy rather than climbing – ideal for the front of the border, as edging, ground cover or in a container on a sunny patio. It thrives best in a sunny to partly shaded spot with well-drained, moderately moist soil.

'Budapest' is very winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C) and dies back completely to the rootstock in winter. Cut the plant back to about 10 cm in March so it regrows vigorously and flowers freely. In a sheltered, sunny position it proves robust and easy-care once established.