Clematis 'Night Veil'

Clematis 'Night Veil' was raised in 1997 by the Japanese breeder Masashi Iino from a cross of Clematis florida var. sieboldiana and 'Rubra', and has been available in Europe since 2005. Its 7–9 cm flowers open a dark reddish purple that later fades to purple. A redder bar runs across the centre of the sepals, there is a hint of white at the base, the edges are slightly crimped, and the almost black anthers sit on whitish filaments.

'Night Veil' flowers over a long season from June to September. At 250 to 300 cm it suits obelisks, trellises and arches; it looks especially effective against pale fences or walls and as a partner for peach or apricot roses. It likes a sunny to partly shaded spot but also does well in shady corners. Avoid deep shade and waterlogged soil.

'Night Veil' is reliably winter-hardy (zone 6, down to about -23 °C). For vigorous growth and a rich display, cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March. It is happiest in fresh, well-drained soil.