Clematis 'Daniel Deronda'

Clematis 'Daniel Deronda' was introduced as early as 1882 by the English breeder Charles Noble at his Sunningdale Nursery and is one of the most traditional varieties in the Patens group. It is named after the title character of George Eliot's novel of the same name from 1876. Its large flowers are violet-blue, often with a paler central bar and striking creamy stamens — the first flowers in early summer are frequently semi-double with several rows of narrow, pointed sepals, while the later summer flush comes single.

'Daniel Deronda' flowers in June and blooms again from July to September, providing colour in the garden over a long period. At around 300 cm, it is a vigorous climber that looks superb on trellises, pergolas and other supports, and can also cover larger wall areas. It thrives in sunny to semi-shaded spots, but its roots should be kept shaded — a groundcover planting or low underplanting keeps the root zone pleasantly cool.

The variety is reliably winter-hardy (zone 6, down to about -23 °C) and has proven itself in many gardens since its introduction in the 19th century — confirmed not least by the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Cut 'Daniel Deronda' back to about 100 cm in June to encourage compact growth and a rich second flush. As a proven historic variety, it is easy to care for and robust once established at its site.