Clematis 'Kardinal Wyszynski'

Clematis 'Kardinal Wyszynski' was raised in 1974 by Polish Franciscan Brother Stefan Franczak, who honoured prominent Polish figures in the names of his hybrid cultivars. In 1986, Fisk's Clematis Nursery in the UK introduced it as 'Cardinal Wyszynski'; the correct Polish form is 'Kardynał Wyszyński'. The cultivar is named after Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński (1901–1981), Primate of the Polish Church for over 30 years and an uncompromising defender of religious freedom against Communist rule — he was imprisoned in 1953 and later played a decisive role in the election of Karol Wojtyła as the first Polish Pope in 1978. The flowers glow with a rich crimson — known internationally as crimson or cardinal red — that mellows to warm pink as the blooms age. The 6 to 8 pointed sepals overlap at the base with a slightly wavy margin; dark brown anthers on pale violet filaments form a striking contrasting centre.

Flowering runs from July to September; on established plants the display often continues almost unbroken from early summer through to early autumn. Growing to around 300 cm, 'Kardinal Wyszynski' is well suited to fences, walls, pergolas and arbours as well as obelisks and plant supports in the border. Its moderate vigour also makes it a good choice for large containers on terraces and balconies. It looks particularly striking against a pale background or combined with white climbing roses. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates all aspects.

'Kardinal Wyszynski' is robust and hardy to zone 6 (−23.3 to −17.8 °C) — a reliable choice even in harsher climates. For strong regrowth and a generous flowering display, cut the plant back to about 50 cm in March. This hard pruning encourages fresh, vigorous growth and keeps the plant tidy. It is easy to grow and undemanding as to soil or aspect — qualities recognised with a Gold Medal at the Plantarium exhibition in the Netherlands in 1990.