Clematis 'My Angel'

Clematis 'My Angel' was selected by Dutch breeder Wim Snoeijer from a cross between Clematis orientalis and Clematis intricata, and introduced by the Jan van Zoest nursery; it is named after his wife Engelina — 'Engel' being Dutch for angel, hence the alternative name 'Engelina'. It bears 3–4 cm, bell-shaped, nodding flowers in red and yellow: warm red on the outside, bright yellow within, surrounded by dark stamens.

From June to September, 'My Angel' produces flowers in abundance, though their colour stays fairly understated against the plant's fine, filigree foliage. At around 300 cm, it forms a dense yet dainty tangle that suits trellises, pergolas and fences well, and readily self-seeds in favourable spots. It thrives best in sun to semi-shade with well-drained, moderately moist soil.

'My Angel' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 5, down to about -23 to -29 °C). Cut the plant back hard to about 25 cm in March so it flowers abundantly again the same year. After flowering, it produces delightfully abundant, silvery, silky seed heads that stay on the plant for a long time, adding ornamental value well into autumn.