Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'

Clematis viticella 'Étoile Violette' was introduced around 1885 by the French breeder Francisque Morel and stands among the oldest and most reliable cultivars in its group. For more than 140 years it has delighted gardens around the world with masses of gently nodding flowers. Each bloom carries four to six deep-violet, brownish-tinged sepals with pointed tips and attractively recurved margins. A dense cluster of cream-coloured stamens provides a luminous contrast at the centre.

From July right through to September, 'Étoile Violette' flowers so profusely that its fresh green foliage almost vanishes beneath the display. The vigorous climber reaches approximately 300 cm and is superb alongside climbing roses, ramblers, medium-sized shrubs or a free-standing obelisk. The most striking combinations are with yellow and apricot companions or against the deep green of conifers. Against a dark background the blooms appear most dramatic; in smaller gardens, overhanging stems can be guided so that their flowers cascade gracefully downward.

'Étoile Violette' is hardy to Zone 5 (−28.8 to −23.4 °C) and therefore exceptionally tough. Simply cut it back hard to about 25 cm above the ground in March; the plant reliably shoots from below soil level, making it notably resistant to clematis wilt. Thanks to its undemanding nature, generous bloom and excellent disease resistance, it is a safe and rewarding choice even for complete beginners.