Clematis 'Annemieke'

Clematis 'Annemieke' was raised by the Dutch breeder Jan Fopma, who named it in 1991 after his youngest daughter. It descends from a cross between Clematis serratifolia and Clematis tangutica. Its small, nodding flowers measure 3–4 cm and are yellow, with reflexed, twisted tepals and dark purple-brown stamens. After flowering it is adorned with silky, long-lasting seed heads.

'Annemieke' flowers from July to August and reaches around 300 cm in height. It grows vigorously and therefore needs a sturdy support. It thrives in full sun as well as in partial shade and accepts any aspect. The soil should be moist but well drained. Keep the roots and base cool and shaded, for example with ground-cover plants or a layer of pebbles at the foot of the plant.

'Annemieke' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 5, -28.8 to -23.4 °C). It flowers on the current year's growth, so cut it back to about 25 cm every year in March. Set the crown 5–8 cm deep in the soil, which encourages shoots from below ground. Wear gloves when pruning and planting, as the sap can irritate the skin.