Clematis florida Lavallée n°1

Clematis 'Lavallée n°1' is a recent hybrid variety classified in the group of Clematis florida, just like the lovely variety 'Sugar Sweet'. It is a climbing plant that stands out with its large single flowers, beautifully bi-coloured in white and violet-blue, with a variable colour that creates a nice gradient throughout the plant. This deciduous climbing clematis blooms abundantly in two waves: first in May-June and then in September-October. With a medium to modest size, it fits easily into a small garden or in a pot on a patio.

Clematis 'Lavallée n°1' is a very recent Dutch creation by Ton Hannink. Clematis is a deciduous climbing plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. In general, it prefers light, deep, moist, fertile, and neutral soil. It appreciates a sunny or partially shaded exposure, with the base of the plant always in shade. Rather hardy, the 'Lavallée n°1' variety can withstand short frosts of about -15°C (5°F) once mature. It is suitable for container cultivation if the container is large enough (minimum 60cm (24in) in diameter).

Clematis 'Lavallée n°1' can reach a height of 2.5m (8ft) with a spread of 1m (3ft). The star-shaped flowers with six petals, 11cm (4in) in diameter, appear on the current year's shoots from May to June. The abundant flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters. They emerge from bright violet buds. They stand upright and have 6 elongated diamond-shaped tepals, with a violet-blue border and a wide central white band. A prominent cluster of violet stamens sits at the heart. The white central area is crossed by violet-blue veins. This white area varies in width depending on the flowers. The leaves are a fairly light olive-green and dry up in autumn. This clematis clings to a support or the host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses to extend the flowering of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Place them next to beautiful perennials such as geraniums, Salvia nemorosa, and phlox, which will provide the shade it appreciates at its base. This genus is rich and diverse, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of this diversity to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Lavallée n°1' deserves a place near the house or a pathway. It also loves to twine around bushes and performs well in a large pot.