Clematis 'Violet Elizabeth'

The clematis 'Violet Elizabeth' was bred in 1962 by English breeder Walter Pennell from a cross of 'Vyvyan Pennell' and 'Mrs. Spencer Castle', and named after Violet Smith, an office worker of the breeder's. Its 12-15 cm flowers appear in delicate pale pink with contrasting yellow stamens — the first flush on last year's wood is semi-double, while the later flush on new growth is single.

With two flowering phases — June, then again from July to August — 'Violet Elizabeth' is one of the more persistent bloomers among the large-flowered hybrids. At around 300 cm in height, it is ideal for trellises, obelisks and larger climbing frames on walls and fences. A sunny to partly shaded, sheltered position supports its free-flowering habit.

'Violet Elizabeth' is reliably hardy (zone 6, down to around -23 °C) and rewards moderate pruning: cut the plant back to about 100 cm after its first flush in June so it regrows strongly and flowers again generously in late summer.