Clematis 'Yvette Houry'

Clematis 'Yvette Houry' was introduced around 1900 by the French breeder Houry of Orléans (first mentioned in 1908 in the Revue Horticole) and belongs to the large-flowered Patens hybrids. Its 12-15 cm flowers glow in a rich blue-violet, often densely double in the first flush, with striking creamy stamens at the centre; the later blooms usually appear single.

The main flush appears in June, followed by a second flowering from July to August. At around 300 cm, 'Yvette Houry' is excellent for trellises, obelisks and other climbing supports on walls or fences, and also does well in larger containers. It thrives in sunny to semi-shaded spots, though as with most clematis the root area should stay cool and shaded.

'Yvette Houry' is reliably hardy (zone 6, down to about -23°C) and belongs to the light-pruning group: cut the shoots back to about 100 cm after the first flowering in June to encourage vigorous new growth and a rich second flush. The variety is considered robust and resilient, rewarding a cool, protected root area with reliable vigour.