Clematis patens Will Goodwin

Clematis 'Will Goodwin' is an old English variety that bears large single flowers ranging from lavender-mauve to light blue, emphasised by a pretty bouquet of creamy-white stamens. It blooms generously in late spring and again later in summer. It can be planted with purple or yellow foliage, which complements its beautiful lavender flowering. This hardy variety is also endowed with good vigour.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Will Goodwin' is an English creation dating back to 1954. It is derived, among others, from Clematis patens, a woody clematis native to forests and bushy slopes in Japan, Korea, and northern China, up to an altitude of 1000m (3281ft). It belongs to the group of clematis that first bloom in May-June on the previous year's wood and then re-bloom in July-August on the current year's growth. It is a woody climbing perennial plant that will reach a height of 4 to 5m (13 to 16ft), with a spread of 2m² (7ft²). The small leaves are either composed of 3 narrow leaflets or they are simple. Its deciduous foliage dries up in winter. The flowers, 14 to 15cm (6in) in diameter, have a round shape and are composed of 6 wide, undulate, slightly wavy petals that overlap at the base, fading over time. The centre is occupied by cream stamens with yellow anthers. This clematis clings to the support or host plant through voluble stems with petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis together with climbing roses to prolong the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The wonderful variety 'Will Goodwin' will be perfectly enhanced by yellow foliage plants such as Physocarpus 'Angel Gold', or Sambucus racemosa 'Aurea', planted at the back of the flower bed. It also looks beautiful climbing on shrubs with purple foliage. Its flowers can be used in bouquets.