Clematis 'Entel'

Clematis 'Entel' comes from the Estonian breeder Uno Kivistik, who raised it in 1984 from a cross of 'Hagley Hybrid' and 'Alba Luxurians'; it was named in 1988. It belongs to a set of six cultivars named after an Estonian nursery rhyme. The 8 to 10 cm flowers are pale violet. The four to six tepals are 3 to 4 cm long, wavy at the margins and recurved at the tips, giving the blooms a lively, almost pleated texture. At the centre sit pale greenish-yellow anthers.

From June to August, 'Entel' is covered in delicate violet flowers. Reaching around 250 cm, it suits trellises, obelisks, fences and climbing frames, and also makes a good climbing partner for roses and shrubs. It prefers a sunny to partially shaded position in moist, well-drained soil.

'Entel' is very hardy, rated to Zone 5 (−28.8 to −23.4 °C). Cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March; this corresponds to pruning Group 3. It then regrows vigorously from the base and flowers on the fresh growth – keeping care straightforward.