Clematis diversifolia Aphrodite

The Clematis diversifolia 'Aphrodite' is a small 2m (7ft) climbing plant that flowers late with large blue-violet flowers with white anthers. This variety is a close relative of the Clematis 'Aphrodite Elegafumina'. Both are named after the Greek goddess of Love and Beauty.

This robust "Queen of lianas" develops deciduous leaves with 3 lanceolate leaflets, pale green, 10cm (4in) long, carried by thin and flexible stems that need to be trained. From July to September, large single flowers, strongly veined, blue-violet with white anthers, 8cm (3in) in diameter, grow on the current year's branches. The 4 tepals are slightly fringed. At the end of flowering, fruits appear, topped with a silvery gray feathery style, which is very decorative.

The Clematis diversifolia 'Aphrodite' likes a clay-siliceous, light, deep, fresh and fertile soil, in a sunny position with the base in shade. Plant ground cover plants to achieve this. The East is suitable. Watch out for aphids!

The Clematis diversifolia 'Aphrodite' paired with other varieties of clematis or married with a climbing rose perfectly dresses walls, fences, bamboo pyramids or the trunk of a tree.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilizers that stimulate foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture that promotes wilt disease.