Clematis 'Dark Eyes'

Clematis 'Dark Eyes' was raised in 2001 by the breeder Willem Straver in Germany, first flowered in 2003 and was introduced in 2006. Its 5 cm flowers are almost black on opening and mature to deep purple with a velvety sheen. The usually four tepals are broadly obovate, and the purple anthers look silvery as they age.

From July to September 'Dark Eyes' bears its dark flowers freely. At around 250 cm tall it climbs trellises and obelisks, can be led through shrubs and also suits a large container. It likes sun or part shade on south-, west- and east-facing sites, in moist, well-drained soil. Plant the crown 5 to 8 cm deep and keep the roots shaded. Beside roses, its dark tone stands out particularly well.

'Dark Eyes' is very hardy (zone 5, down to about -28 °C) and a rewarding choice for beginners. As a Viticella hybrid it flowers on the current year's growth, so cut the plant back hard to about 25 cm in March.