Clematis atragene Brunette

The Clematis 'Brunette' is a surprising climbing Clematis, with early flowering single bell-shaped purple flowers with golden stamens, trailing and slightly open. It was awarded the Jarditec Newcomer Trophy in 1997 for its generous flowering.

From April to May, this vigorous "Queen of lianas" bears numerous solitary single bell-shaped flowers, slightly open and trailing, purple with golden stamens, 5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter on the previous year's branches. Its deciduous, elongated, toothed, medium green tripinnate leaves, 7cm (3in) long, are borne on voluble stems that twine around their support with tendrils. At the end of flowering, decorative fruits appear, topped with silvery gray feathery styles.

The 'Brunette' Clematis likes a clay-siliceous, light, deep, moist and fertile soil, in a sunny position with the base in shade. Planting ground cover plants is recommended. It is well-suited for the east. Beware of aphids!

The Clematis 'Brunette', when combined with other varieties, or paired with a climbing rose, perfectly dresses up walls, fences, bamboo pyramids or the trunk of a tree.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilization, which stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to prevent excessive moisture that promotes wilt disease.