Clematite de colectie - Clematis viticella 'Avant Garde'

Clematis viticella 'Avant Garde' (Evipo033) is a hybrid cultivar of the species Clematis viticella, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Developed by Raymond Evison, this perennial clematis is renowned for its double flowers, of a vibrant burgundy with a pale pink center, and for its abundant blooming from summer through autumn. Compact and hardy, Clematis 'Avant Garde' is ideal for small gardens, containers, trellises, or as a climbing plant, bringing a dramatic contrast to landscapes.

Appearance of leaves and flowers

• Leaves: The leaves are compound, of a medium to dark green, with 3-5 oval leaflets, slightly glossy, forming a dense and healthy background. The foliage is sturdy, disease-resistant, and offers an excellent contrast to the colorful flowers.
• Flowers: The flowers are semi-double to double, 5-7 cm, with long outer petals of a deep burgundy (wine red), and shorter inner petals, pale pink, forming a fluffy center resembling a pom-pom. The flowers appear in waves from June to August-September, on new wood, and have an exotic look, attracting butterflies and bees. The double form varies, some flowers being fuller than others, depending on conditions.
• Scent: The flowers have a faint or absent scent, with the emphasis on visual impact.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Grows up to 2-3 meters tall and 1-1.5 meters wide, being relatively compact for a viticella clematis. It has a climbing habit, attaching to supports by leaf stalks.
• Vigour: Moderately fast growth, forming a dense bush, ideal for vertical spaces or containers.
• Type: Deciduous perennial, classified in Pruning Group 3 (blooms on new wood), inheriting the hardiness of the viticella species.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for maximum flowering, but also tolerates partial shade, especially in warm climates where afternoon shade protects flowers from fading. Roots should be kept shaded, by mulch or low plants.
• Soil: Requires a fertile, well-drained soil, with consistent moisture, neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). Plant with the crown 5-8 cm below soil level to encourage rooting. In containers, use well-drained compost.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In containers, water when the top 2-3 cm of soil are dry; in the ground, every 7-10 days, more often in dry spells.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 4-9 (down to -30°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch roots in winter in colder areas.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness: Very resistant to cold, diseases (including clematis mildew), and pests such as deer and rabbits, due to viticella heritage. Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
• Fertilizing: Apply a high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 10-30-20) in spring, then a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season to support flowering.
• Pruning: Belongs to Pruning Group 3. Cut all stems back to 15-30 cm above ground in February-March, above a pair of healthy buds, to encourage new growth and abundant flowering. Deadheading can extend the bloom period.
• Pests and diseases: Rarely affected, but may attract spider mites or aphids in dry conditions. Good ventilation and proper watering prevent problems.
• Propagation: Propagated by cuttings or layering in spring, although hybrids are harder to propagate than pure species.
• Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested; wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.

Usage

Clematis 'Avant Garde' is perfect for containers, trellises, fences, pergolas, or as a climbing plant through shrubs and climbing roses. Its burgundy flowers with pink centers add a dramatic contrast in gardens, on terraces, or near entrances. It pairs beautifully with plants in shades of white, cream, or yellow, such as lavender or white roses, for a refined effect. Due to its compact size, it is ideal for small gardens or vertical spaces.

Origin

Developed by Raymond Evison in the United Kingdom, 'Avant Garde' is a hybrid of the species Clematis viticella, known for its hardiness. Released in 2004, it gained popularity for its unusual double flowers and long blooming period, being a favourite of modern gardens.

Each specimen produces both double and simple or semi-double flowers.

Plant height including pot: approx. 65-75 cm

Pot diameter: 17 cm