Clematis integrifolia Jessica

Clematis integrifolia Jessica ('Evipo012') is a beautiful variety with deep pink flowers and entire leaves. It looks more like a perennial than a climber. It stands out from the classic species with the colour of its flowers, as well as the generosity of its flowering. Its slightly flared and gracefully inclined bell-shaped flowers bloom abundantly during a long summer period. The vegetation forms a slightly bushy clump that spreads on the ground where neighbouring plants are located. This modest-size clematis is hardy and undemanding. It is an excellent perennial for borders, flower beds, and containers.

The Clematis genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis integrifolia Jessica is a horticultural variety created by the famous British breeder Evison. It comes from a botanical species native to Central and Eastern Europe, where it is found mainly in mountainous areas, thickets, meadows, and stream banks on calcareous soil. Jessica is an herbaceous perennial that is not particularly climbing. It bears long leafy stems that form a slightly bushy clump reaching a height of 80 to 90cm (32 to 35in), with a spread of 1.20m (4ft). Slow to establish, the plant roots deeply in the soil before showing exponential growth in the following years. Each spring, a multitude of stems emerge directly from its base. They bear small, entire oval to elliptical leaves, of a deep and glossy green colour. The flowers bloom from June-July to September, above the foliage. They have a campanulate shape, composed of 4 petals fused at the base and slightly twisted. They are 4 to 5cm (2in) wide and hide numerous short stamens with yellow anthers in their throat. Each flower gives way to a decorative plumose green-silver fruiting. This Jessica variety prefers well-draining soils and sunny but non-scorching locations.

Plant Clematis Jessica along the edge of a flower bed, in a rockery, on a wall, in pots, or in a hanging basket. It is a beautiful companion for roses and shrubs that bloom in summer. Consider combining it with spring bulbs or early-flowering perennials. Clematis represents a genus rich in diversity, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. Jessica will be perfectly happy in a pot on a balcony, or on a bank planted with perennial salvias, pink or white valerian, catmints, and euphorbias.