This profuse bloomer produces huge 6-8" in diameter, dark lavender flowers with a tint of red in the center. Blooms from June to September. Flowers primarily from the previous year's stems in early summer, but there is also a second flush later in the summer on the new growth. To 8-10' tall. This winner of England's Royal Horticultural Society's Ward of Garden Merit was introduced by Brother Stefan Franczak in 1965 and was originally known as 'Jadwiga Teresa'. Blooming time: Summer

There is an old saying with Clematis; "Tops in the sun and feet in the shade." In other words the vine blooms best in the sun and benefits from a cluster of small plants, planted around the base of the plant. Many people simply plant a ground cover like ivy, myrtle, or pachysandra around the plant to shade the base. Clematis does best in fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil. Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Feed once a month with a well balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Publisher: Hirt's Gardens