 This
is a an unusual clematis raised and introduced
by Barry Fretwell from his now closed nursery
in Devon.
This herbaceous low growing non-climbing cultivar has initially somewhat tulip
shaped flowers (like the texensis cultivars) although as the flower ages they
tend to open out wider to a point midway between this state and an open flowered
medium sized cultivar. The 4-5 sepals are about 6-7 cm long although the flower
may only be 5 cm wide during its early flowering period. The sepals are a rich
reddish-purple on both the outside and the inside, the outer margin has a somewhat
silvery-white bar which becomes evident as the sepals start to part.
The sepals
are long with a pointed recurving tip.
The filaments are a greenish-yellow and the stigma is a pale yellow.
This lovely semi-vigorous plant grows to a grand height of 1.5-2' (45-60 cm)
although even at this height it will need support if you do not want it to get
blown over and grow along the ground as the stems are not sturdy enough to hold
itself permanently erect.
 This
is a very hardy herbaceous plant which dies down to
the ground in winter where it should be pruned to in early March
(pruning group 3).
It will flower from June until September producing a continuous
stream of semi-nodding flowers. If you find the production of flowers
is diminishing after the initial flush you can give the plant a
hard prune and a good feed and it will be in flower again within
4-5 weeks.
 Not
an easy to find cultivar although most clematis specialists seem
to have it on their lists these days although mine came from the
raisers nursery in Christow, Devon.
Plants situated near the front of the border or in a container
on the patio need to earn their keep and this cultivar fits the
bill perfectly. Only reaching a maximum height of 60 cm it is perfect
for these positions and its long flowering period adds to the appeal
- but dont forget that support!
| Flower
Colour |
- |
Sepals
of these nodding flowers are as the name
implies white. |
| Pruning
Group |
- |
Group
3 |
| Hardiness |
- |
Zone
3 |
| Height |
- |
3-4'
or 90-120 cm |
| Flowering
Season |
- |
June-September |
| Aspect |
- |
Any
aspect although best in Sun or Semi-shade |
| Fragrant |
- |
No |
| Evergreen |
- |
No |
| Other
info |
- |
A selection
of the species |
|
