Clematis 'Viola'

Clematis 'Viola' was created in 1983 by Estonian breeder Uno Kivistik at his Roogoja nursery in Harjumaa. Kivistik's breeding aim was clear: clematis that stay compact, tolerate hard pruning, and are frost-hardy enough for Estonian winters. 'Viola' fulfils this programme impressively. Its 8–10 cm flowers are voluptuously formed — five to six fleshy, curvaceous sepals in a deep, even royal purple with a velvety sheen surround creamy-green filaments and pale yellow anthers. Characteristic of the cultivar: the buds nod at first in viticella fashion, then open fully and face the viewer directly.

From July to September 'Viola' produces an almost lavish abundance of bloom on the current year's growth. At around 300 cm it is excellent for trellises, obelisks, lattice frames and fences; with a little guidance it also clambers through medium-sized shrubs, and it performs well in containers too. It looks most compelling against a light background — pale conifers or open-canopied deciduous shrubs make the deep violet blaze at its best. Bees visit the flowers regularly for pollen.

'Viola' is very frost-hardy (zone 5, down to –28.8 °C), making it an excellent choice for gardens across Central Europe. Cut the plant back firmly to around 50 cm in March — the hard pruning of the Jackmanii group encourages vigorous new growth and generous flowering. If you miss the autumn pruning, 'Viola' will surprise you by flowering first in spring on old wood; simply prune after this early flush and look forward to a second wave of flowers in late summer.