Clematis 'Miss Bateman'

Clematis 'Miss Bateman' was introduced in 1869 by the English breeder Charles Noble from a cross of 'Fortunei' and 'Standishii', and named after Miss Catherine Bateman, daughter of the renowned orchid grower James Bateman. The 10-12 cm rounded flowers open creamy white with a delicate green stripe on the 6 to 8 tepals and contrasting dark red stamens.

The first flush appears on last year's growth from May to June, followed with good care by a second flowering phase on new growth from July to September. At around 200 cm, 'Miss Bateman' suits trellises, trellis panels and obelisks as well as containers from 45 cm across, thriving in sunny to semi-shaded spots in any aspect as long as the root run stays cool and shaded.

'Miss Bateman' is winter-hardy (zone 6, -23.3 to -17.8 °C) and belongs to pruning group 2, the early large-flowered clematis – a proven variety for over 150 years, honoured with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Cut the plant back to about 75 cm in June after the first flush to encourage vigorous growth and the late-summer rebloom.