Clematis 'Betty Corning'

Clematis viticella 'Betty Corning' was discovered in the USA in the early 1930s: Betty Corning noticed it in someone else's garden in 1932 and took a cutting home. It is thought to be a cross between Clematis crispa and Clematis viticella. Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers measure about 6 cm and are pale violet, slightly lighter inside; the edges of the recurved sepals are veined in a darker shade, with yellow-green anthers in between.

'Betty Corning' flowers from July to August and is lightly scented, most strongly in a sunny spot. At around 200 cm it grows vigorously and is well suited to medium-sized trees, conifers and larger shrubs, as well as trellises and obelisks. Its foliage is finely divided and does not look heavy despite the strong growth. It thrives in sun to part shade and shows off well as a companion to roses.

'Betty Corning' is hardy (zone 5, down to about -29 °C). It flowers on new growth, so cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March. It particularly likes moist, well-drained soil.