Clematis 'James Mason'

Clematis 'James Mason' was raised in 1984 by British breeder Barry Fretwell from a cross of 'Marie Boisselot' and 'Lincoln Star', and bears the name of the British actor James Mason, who was especially fond of white flowers. Its large, pure white flowers reach 10-15 cm across and display 6 to 8 slightly overlapping, blunt petals with a crimped, wavy edge – a striking contrast is provided by the deep red to brown stamens at the centre.

At around 300 cm, 'James Mason' climbs vigorously over trellises, obelisks and pergolas, and also suits cultivation in a large container. The first flush of flowers appears in June, followed by a second, generous flowering from July to September – so the variety graces the garden for much of the season. Thanks to its undemanding aspect requirements, it thrives in both sunny and partially shaded spots.

'James Mason' is reliably hardy (zone 6, down to around -23.3 °C) and rewards vigorous growth and abundant flowers when you cut the shoots back to about 100 cm in June. Over the years the plant builds a dense, bushy framework that stays well clothed with foliage right down to the base.