Clematis 'Franziska Maria' 3ltr

Extremely free-flowering, Clematis 'Franziska Maria' produces a profusion of large, fully double or semi-double blooms in a rich bluish-purple, 4-6in (10-15cm) across, with each dahlia-like flower set off by a contrasting bouquet of white or pale yellow stamens. It blooms from late spring into midsummer, with a further flush from late summer to early autumn, giving a long and generous season of colour on both old and new growth.

Compact and well-suited to smaller spaces, this variety works well in containers, borders, or trained through other wall-shrubs and free-standing plants — it will reach around 6-8ft (180-240cm) with a spread of about 6ft (2m) at maturity. Grow in moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or part shade, with the roots kept cool and shaded — a mulch, layer of pebbles, or planting of low-growing perennials at the base works well.

Pruning group 2, so only a light tidy is needed in late winter or early spring to preserve the double flowers on older stems. 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.