Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' is a Clematis created at the start of the 20th Century, and has unusual sepals compared to most other Clematis. The flowerheads are ornate and showy, and red-purple in colour. It flowers from mid summer until early autumn and is a nice addition to any type of garden. Best planted in a sunny position, either trained up a wall or fence, or in an obelisk planter on patios or decking. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis 'Étoile Violette', also known in English as 'Violet Star', is a Clematis created by Francisque Morel in France, in 1885. This classic, RHS Award of Garden Merit variety has beautiful violet purple flowers, with yellow stamens in the centres, all through June, July and August. It is perfect for a bare garden wall or fence, that gets plenty of sun. Very easy to maintain, just prune back to ground level in late autumn. Height: 5m (15'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 3.
If you are looking to add a large splash of purple and blue to your garden then you really must consider Clematis 'Semu'. This variety is known for it's velvety purple petals with blue undersides plus the features of hardiness and a tireless free-flowering habit. All that it requires from you in return is that it's cut back to just above ground level each year. The striking summer flowers are present from July to September and will be happy scrambling over walls, trellis, fences and any other support that you can offer it. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
During early summer Clematis 'Richard Pennell' will clothe walls, trellises and fences with an abundance of blue-purple blooms which can be up to 13cm (5) across. Later in the season, in September, when other plants are coming to the end of their 'time in the sun' Clematis 'Richard Pennell' will be back with another display demonstrating why this popular variety is a worthy holder of an RHS AGM for exceptional garden performance. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3') Pruning group: 2.
Most Old Man's Beard plants boast impressive flowers, but Clematis 'Asao' offers unique, two-tone, pink blooms of up to 13cm (5) wide. Their petals unfurl in May, revealing contrasting, yellow stamens. Provided the hardy shrub is grown in sunlight or partial shade up a wall, on a trellis or in a patio container, it will produce a second flush of flowers in the early autumn. The plant is therefore sure to brighten up any cottage garden throughout the season. Height: 2m (6'7). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 2.
Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' bears gorgeous wide flowers that can reach up to 20cm (8) across if grow in optimum conditions. Each flower is a stunning soft lavender blue colour, with prominent darker veins and chocolate brown anthers. This variety blooms throughout early summer, adding a much needed splash of colour to your garden. Winner of an RHS AGM, this free flowering variety performs best in light shade where its flowers will be protected from the fading caused by full sun. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 2.
Clematis 'Mikelite', which features deep mauve/purple blooms with a subtle dark stripe through each petal and creamy white anthers, looks outstanding when grown against dark green or even yellow shades. This hardy perennial climber is a modern viticella hybrid strain that is very easy to grow and maintain, flowering between July and September. It is perfectly suited to growing in pots and containers and can also be trained up a trellis or against a pergola; it is even happy to scramble through your other garden plants in the border. For an exceptional colour display, we recommend growing Clematis 'Mikelite' with a yellow-flowering Clematis or a climbing pink rose. Height: 2.5m (8' 2). Spread: 1m (3' 3). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis x durandii differs from most clematis in that it is not a climbing variety, so it is the perfect choice for garden borders. It can also still be trained up trellis or obelisks using ties, making it truly versatile. The stunning indigo blue flowers feature 6 to 8 narrow, twisting sepals as well as golden yellow anthers in the centre, adding an excellent contrast to other plants in your border. Clematis x durandii is straightforward to grow, blooming between June and September and has been awarded an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. Height: 2m (6'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
This variety of Old Man's Beard produces flowers notable for their size. In June and July, Clematis 'Destiny' displays large, pure white blooms with contrasting purple anthers. You can then enjoy a second flush of these flowers in the late summer, which makes the hardy shrub a valuable source of long-lasting interest in any sunny cottage garden. Height: 1.5m (4'11). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group 2.
Clematis 'Blue Ravine' blooms in late spring/early summer, bearing huge 20cm lavender blue flowers with contrasting purple/red anthers, then again in late summer with slightly smaller flowers. This stunning compact climber will make the biggest impact in your garden from a partially shaded position, as bright sunlight tends to fade the vivid petals. This Old Man's Beard variety is the perfect choice for containers, pergolas, trellises and even peering through garden shrubs. Height: 2.5m (8'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 2.
In June, July, August and September, this Old Man's Beard's bright purple and red flowers will catch your eye as soon as you step into your cottage garden. Clematis 'Ashva' is a climbing plant that thrives in the sunlight, so is best grown up a south facing wall, fence or trellis. Once its blooms die off, the hardy shrub can be pruned ready to begin its next colourful season the following spring. Height: 2m (6'7). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 3.
Clematis 'Apollonia' is a great addition to containers, grown against a trellis, for its white blooms look lovely alongside other Old Man's Beards as well as colourful Jasmines and Roses. This hardy shrub has a particularly compact habit, making it easy to maintain when placed in sunlight or semi-shade. It could also be grown up a fence or a low wall, making for a traditional yet versatile cottage garden plant. Height: 2m (6'7). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 2.