Clematis Rasputin

Clematis Rasputin is a variety with some of the darkest flowers in its category. The plant is not very tall and particularly floriferous from a young age. Its flowers have wide, wavy, velvety petals of a very dark violet, almost black, enhanced by a purple central line and violet anthers. This variety blooms from June to September, on the current year's shoots. A semi-shaded exposure will enhance the colour of the flowers.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The 'Rasputin' variety is a complex hybrid, of German origin, obtained in 2001 by Willem Straver in Emmerich. It is a compact, floriferous, perennial, hardy, woody climbing plant that will not exceed 3m (10ft) high, with a minimum spread of 1m².

This clematis bears star-shaped, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) diameter flowers, which appear on the current year's shoots from June to September. The flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes and particularly abundant. They are erect and have 4 to 6 thick and velvety, wavy petals, overlapping at the base, dark purple when they first bloom, becoming almost black, over time. The stamens are a dull white with a violet base, and they have violet anthers. The flowers are followed by decorative silvery grey feathery seed heads that persist until winter. The leaves are dark green, composed of 3 to 5 entire leaflets. This clematis clings to its support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils. Its deciduous foliage falls in autumn.

Clematis like to have their feet in the shade and their heads in the sun. Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses or ramblers to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Climbing honeysuckles will also be good companions, their light and often fragrant flowers complementing the large scentless star-shaped flowers of the clematis. The genus Clematis is rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Rasputin' loves to weave through bushes and grows very well in a large pot.