Clematis Star of India

Clematis 'Star of India' is an old variety created in England in the 19th century, very vigorous and floriferous. From June to September, it is studded with magnificent and large single flowers, almost square, with 6 wide imbricate sepals, violet-purple, with a crimson central band, and light yellow stamens. Plant in partial shade to preserve its vibrant colours.

Clematis 'Star of India', belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is an old variety, resulting from a cross-breeding between Clematis lanuginosa and Clematis jackmanii. It belongs to the late-flowering large-flowered Clematis group. Clematis attach themselves to their support through petioles transformed into tendrils. This magnificent climbing plant with a woody stump, 'Star of India', is well-branched, with deciduous foliage. It has rapid and remarkably vigorous growth, reaching a height of up to 3m (10ft), with a spread of about 1m (3ft) to 1.5m (5ft). This superb cultivar, very floriferous, presents magnificent large single flowers, with 6 wide and imbricate sepals, measuring 12 to 14cm (5 to 6in) in diameter. Its velvety flowers, purple-violet, with a crimson red band in the centre of the sepals, contrast beautifully with a light yellow stamen. An abundant and very bright flowering, with a sublime colour harmony! It should be noted that the vibrant colours of its flowers tend to fade in the sun. A partially shaded exposure is therefore preferable.

This old variety was created in 1864 by Thomas Cripps in England, and has been on the market since 1867.

The late-flowering large-flowered Clematis, the ultimate climbing plants (without ever being invasive or cumbersome), are easy to grow and can be staged in a thousand and one ways. Their undeniable romantic, natural and wild touch in the garden blends beautifully with climbing or rambling roses. Undoubtedly ideal for adorning and enhancing walls, trellises, pergolas, arches, fences etc. they will also be spectacular when planted in trees and shrubs, prolonging their flowering and connecting with autumn colours. Clematis are also excellent candidates for container gardening. The 'Star of India' cultivar will be stunning when paired with a climbing or rambling rose, a Japanese Maple, a Beautyberry, a Shrubby Cinquefoil, an Arboreal Fuchsia, or an Escallonia. Medium-height perennials will shade its base, such as Epimedium, Daylily, Oriental Poppy, Iris, Avens or Crocosmia. Pairing this Clematis Star of India with species with bright pink or orange foliage or flowering will create a truly exotic atmosphere!