Clematis 'Solidarnosc'

Clematis 'Solidarnosc' was bred in 1993 by Polish nurseryman Szczepan Marczyński, first flowered in 1996 and was named in 2003 – in honour of the independent trade union "Solidarność", founded in 1980, which played a major role in bringing down the communist regime in Poland. Its 16 cm flowers are a vivid, velvety red that lightens slightly towards the edges, with an even lighter bar down the centre of the six to eight tepals; the early flowers sometimes show irregular white flecks. The anthers glow deep red on yellowish-white filaments.

With a compact habit reaching about 150 cm, 'Solidarnosc' climbs by twining its leaf stalks and flowers abundantly from May to September. It suits trellises, stakes and other low supports beautifully, as well as containers and small gardens – its neat habit also makes it a great choice for balconies and patios.

'Solidarnosc' is reliably hardy (zone 4, down to about -34 °C) and was awarded a silver medal at Plantarium 2005 in Boskoop, the Netherlands. Cut the plant back to about 75 cm in March (pruning group 2, light pruning) to keep its compact, free-flowering shape.