Clematis x patens Miss Bateman

The 'Miss Bateman' Clematis is one of those old cultivars that still brings joy to lovers of small flowering climbing plants that are easy to grow. This modest-sized variety blooms abundantly in April-May, and again in September, with medium-sized, round and open white flowers delicately adorned with dark red stamens that turn black when ripe. Candid and romantic, it is perfect in a bush with purple foliage in a small garden or even in a large pot on the terrace.

Clematis belong to the ranunculaceae family. The 'Miss Bateman' variety, obtained in England in 1869 by Charles Noble, is the result of cross-breeding between Clematis patens 'Fortunei', a Japanese species with large flowers of varying colours, which has given rise to numerous cultivars and the 'Standishii' variety. It is a perfectly perennial and hardy semi-woody climbing plant that reaches about 2.50m (8ft) in height, with a minimum spread of 1.25m (4ft). 'Miss Bateman' develops new shoots in spring, from buds located on the older stems. Each stem produces a flower bud that blooms in April-May. A new flowering occurs on the young stems at the end of summer. This variety has round, pure white flowers with eight petals, measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter at the beginning of the season. They are upright and have a cluster of very dark red stamens in their centre, which contrasts wonderfully with the white petals. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery silver-grey fruits that persist until winter. The deciduous leaves are divided into 3 or more leaflets, and are a fairly deep green. This clematis attaches itself to supports or host plants using petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering season of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Plant pretty perennials like geraniums, carnations, nemorosa sage, phlox at their base to provide the shade they appreciate. This is a diverse genus, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Miss Bateman' loves to weave through bushes and looks great in a large pot. It will work wonders in a beautiful planter on the terrace, in the garden among border plants, or even on a small fence.