Clematis Versailles

The 'Versailles' clematis is part of a series of recent clematis varieties that combine a very compact habit with large flowers closely packed on the plant. The result is quite spectacular plants, perfectly suited for container gardening and small spaces. The flowers of this 'Versailles' selection have a rich velvety hue, a deep magenta violet red to violet, enhanced by the late afternoon sun. It blooms from late spring until the end of summer. This flowering will be enhanced by the silver-grey foliage of shrubby artemisias.

Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, North and Central America. The 'Versailles' variety, bred in England by Evison, is the result of a cross-breeding between the 'Burma Star' and 'Royal Velvet' clematis. It is a perfectly perennial, semi-woody climbing plant that will reach approximately 1.80 m (6ft) to 2 m (7ft) in height, with a spread of about 80 cm (32in). This clematis bears large fully open flowers, reaching 12 to 14 cm (5 to 6in) in diameter, which appear on the current year's shoots, from May-June until the end of summer, in successive waves. The flowers are solitary, closely spaced on sturdy stems. They have 6 undulate tepals that slightly overlap. The centre of the flower is adorned with a crown of crimson-tinged stamens with cream-coloured bases and purple anthers. The flowering is followed by decorative silver-grey feathery fruits that persist until winter. The glabrous leaves are divided into 3 elliptical to lanceolate leaflets, dark green in colour. This clematis firmly attaches itself to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils. Its deciduous foliage is absent in winter.

Plant your clematis in the company of your climbing or rambling roses ('New Dawn', 'Mme Caroline Testout', 'Zéphirine Drouhin'), to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Versailles' will pair well with the blue flowers of the 'Hudson River' clematis, the purple of 'Romantika,' or the white of 'Baby Star', for example, to climb a small structure. 

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilisation that stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture.