27 Apr Violette clematis at metal rose arch

Clematis viticella ‘Etoile Violette’ is a robust and hardy plant that produces numerous blooms. The intensely blue-violet velvety blossoms appear from June to September. The creamy yellow and green stamens in the foreground produce a harmonious contrast. As with all varieties of clematis, there are some golden rules to follow. Damp and cold feet with the head warmed by the sun. This is how the plants thrive in their natural habitat. Originally clematis was a vine found in forests, where their roots also grew in cool, shady, damp places. The shoots, by contrast, scaled trees and bushes, striving upwards towards the bright, warm light. In this delightful photo by Beverly Cookson from Bakersfield, California, ‘Etoile Violette’ clematis completely covers a metal Roman Arch. The ‘Anabelle’ hydrangeas make a perfect partner.