Bourbon clematis

For several years master Clematarian Raymond J. Evison has been releasing miniature Clematis hybrids bred for container culture and sporting blooms just as large as those on full-sized climbers twice their size. Bourbon™ is part of the spectacular Patio™ series, reaching just 3 to 4 feet high and wide yet setting enormous two-tone blooms. Content in garden soil as well as flowerpots and tubs, this very high-performing British introduction is a must-have for all Clematis fanciers.

The flowers are single, fully 6 inches wide, and neon-magenta, shading into a darker red edge. Capped by a frilly yellow center, they are riveting when cut and floated in a bowl of water, but on the plant they are nothing short of amazing, so disproportionate is their size to the length of the vine! Repeating heavily all summer, these blooms are among the brightest in the entire Clematis family, and are not to be missed.

Bourbon™ is in Pruning Group 2, and grows readily in full sun or light shade. Give it a small trellis or other support to climb in containers; in the garden, thread it through a hybrid tea Rose, twine it through a fence, or let it scramble over a stump, completely hiding it beneath its abundant mid-green foliage and blooms. Hardy to -20 degrees F, it is very vigorous and adaptable, showing all the gardenworthiness of its larger cousins, but with none of the excess foliage! Highly recommended. Zones 4-9.

- Wayside Gardens (link here)