Clematis viticella Walenburg

Clematis viticella 'Walenburg' is a bright variety of Italian clematis, which is covered with beautiful pink-purple flowers illuminated by a white centre. They bloom throughout summer. This lovely natural climber is easy to grow and will delight many gardeners, whether they are experienced or beginners, in all our regions.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, especially in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The hybrid variety 'Walenburg' is a robust, perfectly perennial and hardy plant that is semi-woody and climbing, with slender stems. It will reach 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft) in height, with a minimum spread of 1m (3ft). It possesses the genes of C. viticella, a particularly disease-resistant species with a preference for calcareous soils that are somewhat dry in summer.

The flowers of 'Walenburg' measure about 5cm (2in) in diameter and are composed of 4 rather narrow petals. They appear in successive waves from June-July to the end of September on the current year's shoots. The flowers are either solitary or grouped in cymes and are carried by a long pedicel. They are trailing to semi-erect and have recurved purple tepals adorned with a small white median zone. The heart of the flower is adorned with cream to greenish stamens with purple anthers. The flowering is followed by decorative silver-grey fruits that persist until winter. The pinnate leaves, with lanceolate acute-pointed leaflets, are of a rather deep olive-green. Its leaves dry up and disappear in winter. This clematis clings to the support or host plant by means of petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis in the company of climbing roses to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Place it next to pretty perennials such as geraniums, carnations, garden irises, peonies, sage nemorosa, and phlox, which will provide the shade it appreciates at its base. It is a rich and diverse genus, with flowers in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The 'Walenburg' clematis loves to weave itself into bushes and performs very well in a large pot. Let it climb on a lilac, a Fargesia bamboo, a large shrub rose, or even in an informal hedge. It looks wonderful with the dark flowers of Clematis viticella 'Happy Birthday'.