Clematis Countess of Wessex Evi 3ltr

Named after the Countess herself and first launched at the Chelsea Flower Show, this elegant clematis produces large, gleaming white flowers striped with pale pink through the centre of each petal, set off by a crown of deep red stamens. The blooms can reach up to 6-7in (15-17cm) across, with ruffled petal edges adding a soft, romantic finish.

Compact and bushy in habit, this variety is well suited to patio containers, borders or training onto an obelisk, and its shade tolerance makes it a good choice for those trickier north-facing spots. Flowering in late spring to early summer, with a second flush in late summer into autumn, it offers two flower shows a year. Grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, with the flowers in sun and the roots kept cool and shaded — a mulch or underplanting at the base works well.

Pruning group 3 makes this an easy-care choice: cut back hard in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. As with all clematis, the foliage and sap can cause skin irritation, so gloves are worth wearing when handling or pruning.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.