Clematis 'Innocent Glance'

Clematis 'Innocent Glance' was raised by Polish breeder Szczepan Marczyński (bred in 2004, introduced in 2014) — a sister seedling to the well-known 'Innocent Blush'. Its large flowers reach 14–15 cm across: on old wood they open fully double, with 40 to 60 narrow, pointed, pale pink sepals edged in a fine dark pink margin that fade further after full bloom; on new wood the flowers are single to semi-double, usually upward-facing, with just 6 to 7 sepals. White filaments with yellow anthers add a delicate contrast.

From May to July 'Innocent Glance' produces its first, double flush, followed by a second, simpler wave of flowers in August and September. At around 200 cm and with a compact, bushy habit, it is ideal for trellises, obelisks and trained supports on walls and fences, as well as for containers on patios and balconies. Choose a sunny to semi-shaded spot and keep the roots and base of the plant cool and shaded, for example with low companion planting or a layer of mulch.

'Innocent Glance' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C). Cut it back to about 100 cm in June for vigorous growth and a generous flush of flowers (pruning group 2). Even after flowering the plant is worth a look: its long-lasting, silky seed heads decorate it well into winter.