Clematis texensis Prince William

The Clematis texensis 'Prince William', recently selected in the Netherlands, stands out from other clematis in its group with its remarkable flower colour and vigour. Its bell-shaped corollas, characteristic of texensis, are surrounded by purple-violet sepals bordered with mauve, the inside of the flower being mauve with a central violet zone, a bright and vibrant colour that pairs perfectly with late-season flowers. This robust variety blooms throughout the summer. Clematis texensis is a reliable, undemanding plant that is not very susceptible to wilt disease. Plant them in ordinary but well-drained and deep soil, in a very sunny location in the North of Europe and in partial shade in the South.

The genus Clematis belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. 'Prince William' is a Dutch horticultural variety introduced to the market in 2017. This variety is derived from Clematis texensis, a botanical species endemic to the southeast of the Edwards Plateau in Texas. It belongs to clematis that bloom in summer on barely lignified shoots of the current year, which then disintegrate in winter. It is a woody-based, creeping and climbing perennial plant that will reach a height of 3m (10ft), with a spread of 1m².

This clematis bears texensis-type flowers, of a beautiful size, reaching 4 to 6cm (2in) in length and 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter. They are produced in successive waves and abundantly from June to September. The bisexual flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes. They emerge as small purple buds, only slightly longer than the tip of the index finger. Then they elongate and open into campanulate bell-shaped flowers, with a fairly fleshy texture. They flare out and open, resembling a star, with 4 mauve petals with a violet median and lighter margins. The exterior of the bell is a very dark purple colour. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits, greyish with a silvery touch. The leaves are small, round, heart-shaped and rather light green. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your clematis alongside your climbing roses or vines, as well as your jasmines, to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This is a diverse genus, with flowers in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. Clematis texensis can crawl freely in your borders and on low shrubs, they do not require pruning. Their fresh and lively bell-shaped flowers complement the most beautiful September blooms: the stars of asters, the blue of caryopteris, or the pink of heather (Erica multiflora). 'Prince William', due to its slightly larger growth, will work wonders in a free hedge or small tree.