Clematis 'Star of India'

Clematis 'Star of India' was introduced in 1867 by the British nursery Cripps & Son, making it one of the oldest large-flowered cultivars still available today. It arose from a cross between Clematis lanuginosa and 'Jackmanii'. Its 8–10 cm, semi-nodding flowers are violet with purple bars and carry greenish-cream stamens. With age, the flower colour deepens to a rich bluish purple.

'Star of India' opens its flowers from July to September, adding colour when many other climbers are resting. At around 300 cm tall, it suits trellises, obelisks and fences and is a lovely companion for climbing roses. It grows in sun to partial shade and on any aspect; in partial shade the flower colour holds better than in full sun. Choose a well-drained, evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil.

'Star of India' is reliably hardy (zone 5, down to approx. -28 °C). As it flowers on the current season's growth, cut it back to approx. 25 cm in March. Plant it so that the crown sits 5–8 cm below the soil surface. Allow two to five years for it to reach its full size and flowering performance.