Clematis 'Hay Diana'

Clematis 'Happy Diana' was raised in 2003 by the Japanese breeder Tsuneo Ishiguro as a sport of 'Princess Diana' and received its own name in 2005; it is considered one of the largest-flowered cultivars within the Texensis Group. The 7-8 cm tulip-shaped flowers open in a half-bell shape, showing four bold red tepals strongly curved at the tips, with yellow anthers on creamy white filaments.

From June to September, 'Happy Diana' flowers profusely and grows 300 to 400 cm tall – vigorous enough for obelisks, rose arches and other climbing supports. It also makes a good companion for shrubs or climbing roses, weaving loosely through their branches without overwhelming them.

'Happy Diana' is hardy to zone 6 (-23.3 to -17.8 °C). As a pruning group 3 variety, it flowers on new wood: cut the plant back hard to about 25 cm every March, which keeps growth compact and encourages abundant flowering.