Clematis 'Gravetye Beauty'

Clematis texensis 'Gravetye Beauty' was bred in 1914 by the French breeder Francisque Morel from a cross between Clematis texensis and a large-flowered cultivar (probably 'Gipsy Queen', 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' or 'Ville de Lyon'), and was named by William Robinson after his garden, Gravetye Manor. Its tulip-shaped, bell-like flowers open wide, showing a rich, velvety red without the violet undertone found in many other red clematis — the reverse of the sepals shimmers in greyish pink.

With its relatively late but unusually long flowering period from July to October, 'Gravetye Beauty' brings colour well into autumn. Growing up to 400 cm, it is excellent for trellises, pergolas and fences in sunny to partially shaded spots; the root area should stay cool and shaded, for example under low companion plants or a layer of gravel. After flowering, silky, shimmering seed heads add further interest.

'Gravetye Beauty' is hardy to zone 7 (-17.7 to -12.3 °C) and belongs to pruning group 3: it flowers on new wood and is therefore cut back hard each March to about 25 cm. The young spring growth is sensitive to late, wet, cold snow — protecting the shoots helps prevent rot. Good ventilation and adequate watering in spring are also advisable, as, like other texensis relatives, this variety is somewhat prone to powdery mildew.