Clematis 'Sparkler'

Clematis 'Sparkler' was raised by British breeder Barry Fretwell and introduced in 2013. Its 12–14 cm semi-double flowers are pale pink with a white central bar on each of the eight slightly wavy, pointed tepals, set off by creamy yellow filaments with red-purple connectives.

The first flush appears from May to June, followed by a second from August to September – so 'Sparkler' seems to bloom almost continuously. At 150 to 220 cm tall, it suits trellises, obelisks and other supports. It thrives in sunny to partly shaded spots in moist, well-drained soil.

'Sparkler' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 6, down to about -23 °C). Cut the plant back to 75 cm in June. Plant it with the crown 5 to 8 cm below the soil surface – this encourages shoots from below ground.