Clematis Willy

Clematis 'Willy' is a variety of Clematis alpina or C. macropetala, prized for its delicate pink spring flowering, in harmony with flowering cherry and apple trees and magnolias that bloom at the same time. Its slender, bell-shaped flowers display a delicate gradient of pink, which is deeper at the centre and almost white at the tips of the petals. This lovely climber bears attractive foliage. It is easily grown in moist garden soil. It is a hardy and wandering plant that prefers to spread over shrubs and lower plants rather than climb on a support.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Willy' is a horticultural variety obtained by Pieter Zwijnenburg in 1971 in the Netherlands. It belongs to the group of Atragene clematis (Clematis alpina and C. macropetala), which bloom in spring on the previous summer's growth. It is a semi-woody, climbing or creeping perennial plant that reaches a height of 3m (10ft) with a spread of 1m² (3ft²). This delicate-looking plant has inherited great robustness from its wild ancestors. It is not afraid of late frosts.

From April to May, 'Willy' bears alpina-type bell-shaped flowers, 5 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. It sometimes boasts a second flowering in summer on new shoots. The bisexual flowers are solitary or grouped in clusters and hang downwards. They open mainly on the upper half of the plant. The corollas have four thin and delicate tepals that are very pale-pink with a pinker base. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits, which are greyish with a silvery touch. The fruits remain on the plant until winter. The leaves are divided into 3 to 5 bright green leaflets with dentate edges. This clematis clings to the support or host plant by means of petioles transformed into tendrils. The deciduous leaves dry up in winter.

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. This 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. 'Willy' is easily grown in the garden. Thanks to its relatively modest size, 'Willy' will also thrive in a pot on a balcony or next to a door to welcome visitors with its early and spectacular flowering. It can also be left to run along the ground, where it will form a unique blooming carpet in spring.