Clematis x viticella Prince Charles

The Clematis 'Prince Charles' is a recent variety of modest size that stands out for its extraordinary floribundance. From June to September, a profusion of single flowers, of medium size, adorned with a pretty light blue-mauve and satin, submerge its very dense foliage. It is a vigorous and compact plant, as easy to grow and use as the Clematis viticella from which it originates. A wonderful little vine to install in a bush, or even in a large pot on the terrace.

Clematis belong to the ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, notably in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, North and Central America. The 'Prince Charles' variety is a perfectly perennial and hardy, semi-woody and climbing plant, which will reach a height of 1 to 2 m (3 to 7ft), with a spread of at least 1m (3ft).

This Clematis bears star-shaped flowers with six petals, 8 cm (3in) in diameter, which appear on the wood of the previous year in June, and then a second time on the shoots of the current year, until the end of summer, in successive waves. The flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes and particularly abundant. They are erect and have 6 solid-coloured tepals, a satin-tectured light blue-mauve. The centre of the flower is adorned with a yellow stamen heart. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery grey-silver fruits that persist until winter. The pinnate leaves, with oval, glabrous leaflets, are of the viticella type, of medium green colour. This Clematis clings to the support or to the host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant your Clematis together with your climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Prince Charles' loves to weave through bushes and performs very well in a large pot.