Clematis 'Super Nova'

Clematis 'Super Nova' was raised by the Dutch breeder Wim Snoeijer and belongs to the viticella hybrids. Its 5–8 cm flowers are a rich purple with exceptionally attractive markings: white veins run into a white central bar, the sepals are ruffled with slightly recurved margins, and the stamens are dark purple. The colouring changes as the flowers age.

From June to September 'Super Nova' flowers abundantly. At around 300 cm it suits trellises, obelisks and other supports, combines well with climbing roses and also thrives in a container. It is easy-going and undemanding as to position and soil, growing in full sun as well as in partial shade, on any wall; the soil should be moist but well drained.

'Super Nova' is very hardy (zone 6, down to about -23 °C). Cut the plant back to about 25 cm in March, as it flowers on new growth. Plant it so that the crown sits about 5–8 cm below the soil surface – this encourages additional shoots to form underground. Thanks to its robustness it is a rewarding choice for beginners, too.