Clematis 'Sir Trevor Lawrance'

Clematis 'Sir Trevor Lawrance' is one of the first six cultivars raised in 1890 by the English breeder Arthur George Jackman from a cross of Clematis texensis with 'Star of India', and remains one of the few surviving cultivars of these Wokingensis hybrids. Its outward-facing flowers are 5–8 cm across, tulip- to bell-shaped and glow in deep red, lightening towards scarlet in the centre. Yellow anthers on cream filaments add a fine contrast.

Growing up to 400 cm tall, 'Sir Trevor Lawrance' conquers trellises, obelisks, fences and house walls and can also be grown in a large container. It flowers from July to September, just when many other clematis have finished. Choose a sunny to semi-shaded spot with well-drained but moist soil, and keep the root zone cool and shaded.

'Sir Trevor Lawrance' is hardy (zone 7, down to about -17 °C). Since it flowers on new wood, cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March; it will then shoot strongly and flower generously. In damp, still weather mildew may appear – an airy position helps to prevent it.