Clematis florida Sieboldii

Clematis florida 'Sieboldii', also known as 'Bicolor', is a graceful climbing plant. In late spring and throughout summer, it produces beautiful cream-white flowers, reaching a diameter of 10cm (4in). The stamens form an astonishing violet bouquet at the centre of each flower. It will undoubtedly add an elegant touch to your patio when planted in a large pot, as well as at the base of an arch or climbing up a large bush. Plant it in sun or partial shade. Provide it with rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Clematis florida 'Sieboldii' belongs to the large Ranunculaceae family, which includes various ornamental plants such as aconites, anemones, and buttercups. Clematis have been of interest to flower enthusiasts for centuries, and nurserymen have focused on creating numerous increasingly opulent cross-breeds. C. florida is a species native to Japan (despite its name!), which was introduced to Europe in the late 18th century. This beautiful climber has semi-evergreen leaves with 3 leaflets, each further divided into 3 parts. As with many clematis, the leaf petiole curls upon itself, helping the plant to firmly attach to the supports it climbs. The medium-sized flowers are cream-white, and appear between May and July. In clematis, what are commonly called petals are actually made up of sepals.

Clematis florida 'Sieboldii' is a variety of this botanical species. It reaches a medium height of around 2.5m (8ft) and produces pure white or cream-white flowers with tapered petals, approximately 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, just like its wild parent. However, in this variety, the stamens are transformed into an extraordinary bouquet of purple-violet petals, forming a jewel-like display. This bouquet persists for a while after the petals fall, adding to its appeal.

It is relatively easy to grow Clematis florida 'Sieboldii'. Provide it with deep, fairly rich, loose, moist but well-drained soil. The only truly dreaded disease for clematis is wilt disease, which occurs when there is excessive moisture at the base. It is characterised by sudden wilting of the leaves. For most clematis, it is advisable to follow the motto "head in the sun, foot in the shade". While relatively significant sunlight is necessary for good flowering, it is preferable to protect the base from intense sunlight, for example by placing a tile on top. It is also recommended to plant the root horizontally, in order to stimulate the growth of multiple buds from the base of the plant. Every year, in late winter, you can prune every other stem to a height of 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) from the ground. This regenerates the wood, promotes branching, and increases flowering. Take this opportunity to remove dead wood. Clematis florida 'Sieboldii' can sometimes suffer in severe cold. Shelter it in regions where the temperature frequently drops below -12°C (10.4°F), or plant it in a location protected from cold winds.

For a successful display, provide the clematis with a suitable support. If planting in a pot, choose one that is sufficiently large (at least 25cm (10in) wide and as deep as possible). Then, provide a small trellis for the clematis to climb on. In the garden, a pergola with Geranium 'Sirak' at its base, or an arch accompanied by Clematis 'The Vagabond' with large purple flowers, or even a large bush with later flowering such as Lagerstroemia 'Violet d'Eté' will provide excellent supports to display it. It can also be allowed to run along the ground, emerging joyfully amidst perennial plants.