Clematis patens Duchess of Edinburgh

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a refined climbing plant. In late spring, it produces large, pure white double flowers with sepals sometimes tinged with apple green. The flowers reach up to 13cm (5in) in diameter. This charming and generous variety will bring elegance to a patio when planted in a large pot, at the base of an arch, or even winding around a large bush. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' belongs to the large Ranunculaceae botanical family, which includes ornamentals as varied as aconites, anemones, and buttercups. Clematis have been of interest to flower enthusiasts for centuries, and nurserymen have focused on creating increasingly opulent cross-breeding. 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a variety obtained from the botanical species C. patens, which is native to Japan. It reaches about 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) high. It has large trifoliate leaves, meaning they have three deeply divided lobes. Like most climbing clematis, it clings to its support with petioles transformed into tendrils. The "petals" are actually "sepals".

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is an English hybrid, obtained in 1874 by the famous English nurseryman G. Jackman, who gave his name to many varieties. It bears a multitude of flowers measuring 10 to 13cm (4 to 5in) in diameter. They bloom on the previous year's wood, between May and June, and remain beautiful for a long time. The fully double blooms have delicate pure white petals, often washed with pale-green on their lower half. The centre of the flower opens gradually in a succession of slightly curled petals, until it reveals the cream-white stamens in the heart. It flowers again in September, on the current year's wood.

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is rather easy to grow: just give it deep, fairly rich, loose, moist, and well-drained soil. The only truly dreaded disease for this clematis is wilt disease, which appears when there is excessive moisture at the base. It is characterised by suddenly wilting leaves. For most clematis, it is advisable to follow the motto "head in the sun, foot in the shade". While relatively significant sunlight is necessary for good flowering, it is preferable to protect the base from intense sunlight, for example by placing a tile on top. It is also recommended to plant the root horizontally, in order to stimulate the growth of multiple buds from the base of the plant. Every year, in late winter, you can prune every other stem to a height of 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) from the ground. This regenerates the wood, promotes branching, and increases flowering. Take this opportunity to remove dead wood.

For a successful display, provide the clematis with a suitable support. If planting in a pot, choose one that is sufficiently large (at least 25cm (10in) wide and as deep as possible). Then, provide a small trellis for the clematis to climb on. In the garden, a pergola with Geranium 'Eureka Blue' at its base, or an arch accompanied by Clematis 'Columnella' with a wilder appearance, or even a large bush like Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' will provide excellent support to display it. It can also be allowed to run along the ground, emerging joyfully amidst perennial plants.