Clematis Baroness Fookes Evi 3ltr

A recent introduction from Raymond Evison's Guernsey breeding programme, Clematis 'Baroness Fookes' is a compact, extremely free-flowering variety with rich purple-blue blooms up to 15cm across. Each ruffled flower is marked with a darker purple central bar and set off by striking red anthers, held beautifully against dense, mid to deep green foliage.

The plant is named in honour of Janet Evelyn Fookes, Baroness Fookes DBE DL, one of the first recipients of the RHS's Elizabeth Medal of Honour for her work supporting British ornamental horticulture. Flowering generously from May into July, with a further flush in September, this compact variety reaches only around 1.2m tall, making it a good choice for smaller gardens, patios and container growing with an obelisk or trellis for support.

Plant in deep, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots from below ground level. Keep the roots cool and shaded with underplanting or a layer of pebbles at the base - clematis prefer their "heads in the sun and feet in the shade." Falls into Pruning Group 3, so cut back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage strong new growth and repeat flowering. As with all clematis, the foliage and stems can be a skin irritant and are harmful if eaten, so it's best sited away from grazing pets and gloves are recommended when handling.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch to ensure strong, healthy growth from the start.