Clematis 'Étoile Violette'

Description: A large vigorous deciduous climber with velvety textured deep purple  flowers up to 10cm in width with 4-6  broad sepals and contrasting creamy-yellow stamens.  The  open-bell-shaped flowers of small to medium-size are produced on the current year's growth  from midsummer to ea rly autumn.   Mid green pinnate leaves.  Though an old variety still deservedly popular.

Uses: Suited to growing on walls and pergolas in garden soil or on a patio in a container. can also be grown through larger shrubs and trees as the growth is removed each spring through hard pruning and so is never too much of a burden on its host plant.

Climate/Position:  Full sun and partial shade.  Ideally plant against a wall or fence which is sheltered from wind

Height/Spread:   Reaches up to 2.5-4 metres x 1- 1.5 metre

Soil Requirements:  Humus rich, fertile and well drained soil. The roots of clematis like to be kept cool.

Pruning:  Prune each year to prevent the build up of top heavy and straggly growth.  This is Clematis Group 3 which flowers late on the new growth of the season and so the stems can be cut back hard to 20cm from the ground in the spring before growth starts or, if preferred the just cut of the top straggly growth to a strong plump bud in February to March

Special Requirements: To keep roots cool you can plant amongst low growing shrubs. If planting in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to ensure roots are not restricted too much.  Apply a mulch of well rotted manure or compost in spring after pruning.  This helps feed the plant and also aids water retention

Additional Interest: Raised in France in 1885.  As a member of the C. viticella group there is strong resistance to Clematis wilt. The name Clematis comes from the Greek word 'klema' meaning vine branch. Refers to the vine-like habit of many of the species.