Clematis 'Madame 'Julia Correvon'

Description: A  large deciduous climber with distinctive  deeply veined rich claret-red  flowers up to 12cm in width with 4-6  sepals and contrasting creamy-yellow stamens.  The  open-bell-shaped flowers of small to medium-size are produced on the current year's growth  from midsummer to early autumn.   Mid green pinnate leaves.

Uses: A compact growing clematis is ideal for growing through a climbing rose or tree in partial shade.  Also suitable for growing in a container.

Climate/Position:  Full sun and partial shade.  Ideally plant against a wall or fence which is sheltered from wind.

Height/Spread:  Reaches up to 3 metres x 1.5 metre

Soil Requirements:  Humus rich, fertile and well drained soil. The roots of clematis like to be kept cool

Pruning: Prune each year to prevent the build up of top heavy and straggly growth.  This is Clematis Group 3 which flowers late on the new growth of the season and so the stems can be cut back hard in the spring before growth starts or, if preferred the just cut of the top straggly growth to a strong plump bud in February to March.

Special Requirements:  To keep roots cool you can plant amongst low growing shrubs. If planting in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to ensure roots are not restricted too much.  Apply a mulch of well rotted manure or compost in spring after pruning. This helps feed the plant and also aids water retention.

Additional Interest:  C. 'Madame Julia Correvon' was first raised in France in 1900 but was though to be lost in cultivation.  It was reintroduced to the industry by plants man and designer Christopher Lloyd.  As a member of the C. viticella group there is strong resistance to Clematis wilt. The name Clematis comes from the Greek word 'klema' meaning vine branch. Refers to the vine-like habit of many of the species