Clematis 'ASTRA NOVA'

Clematis viticella 'Astra Nova' was raised in 2006 by Dutch breeder Wim Snoeijer and introduced in 2014 by the J. van Zoest nursery in Holland under the cultivar code Zo09085. Its 6–8 cm, semi-double to double flowers glow in an intense violet with a broad white central stripe on each tepal, topped by a dense boss of violet-and-white, spiky stamens – even the young leaves are flushed purple.

From June to September, 'Astra Nova' flowers profusely on the current season's growth and ranks among the longest-flowering cultivars in the Viticella Group. At around 250 cm, it is ideally suited to trellises, lattices, obelisks and pergolas, and its moderate, not overly vigorous growth also makes it well suited to container culture. It thrives in sunny to semi-shaded positions facing any aspect, though the roots and base of the plant should be kept cool and shaded.

Its winter hardiness is zone 7 (-17.7 to -12.3 °C), so 'Astra Nova' reliably copes with harsher winters too. As a Group 3 clematis, cut it back hard to about 25 cm in March; this keeps the plant compact and encourages abundant flowering. The plant's sap can irritate the skin on contact – wearing gloves when pruning is recommended.