Clematis 'Sir Eric Savill'

Clematis montana 'Sir Eric Savill' was raised by breeder Denis Bradshaw; a flowering herbarium specimen of the variety has been held by the International Clematis Society as a nomenclatural standard since 1997. In May it produces deep pink, about 6 cm wide flowers with lighter shading on the petals and bright yellow stamens, plus a delicate scent – typical of the montana group to which it belongs.

With a height of around 300 cm, 'Sir Eric Savill' is ideal for quickly covering walls, fences and pergolas, as well as for trellises and larger climbing frames. The variety thrives in full sun as well as in partial shade and rewards a sheltered, not overly hot position with especially generous flowering.

'Sir Eric Savill' is reliably hardy (zone 7, to about -17.7 to -12.3 °C) and, once established, grows vigorously and without fuss. Cut the plant back to about 100 cm after flowering in June to encourage dense growth – as with all montana varieties, next year's flower buds sit on the previous year's wood, so pruning belongs directly after flowering.