Thanks Dove and Lizzie - I'd love a dark purple clem.
I discovered Romantik recently, which is also a strong contender, as well as Etoile Violette.
My only concern is that unless I allow the rose to establish well first, the clem could take over, if it's a very vigorous variety.
I particularly like smaller flowered, deep purples and blues, with nodding heads.
My only clem is a viticella Alba Luxurians, which climbs from one foot above ground level in February, to a whopping 6 meters, every year. It is very beautiful, but not a lot else stands a chance on that trellis! Having a clem I can cut right back to ground level in February, when it is combining with a rose, see,s like a good idea, as well as a clem that isn't as vigorous as my Alba.
In my experience, Etoile Violette is even more vigorous than Alba Luxurians. You're going to need a clematis that's a bit more restrained. I suggest you have a look at Hawthorne Nurseries website. It's run by Richard Hodson who has already posted on this thread and he has the national collection of viticellas so is well placed to advise you.
Then you just have to find a suitable rose. If you want pale pink, then New Dawn is the most obvious choice for that aspect but if a pale yellow will do you could have a look at rambler Malvern Hills which is repeat flowering and perfumed and, being a rambler, is easier to train round doors and windows than a climber.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I have clematis Betty Corning in a pot. It is perfumed, especially in the early evening and flowers over a long time. It has small light purple flowers with nodding heads, Group 3 so cut it all down in winter and it starts all over again from spring - easy. But in a pot it does need regular feeding and watering.
I also have Malvern Hills in a pot which means it's less vigorous than it would be in the ground, but again it needs regular care.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
In my experience, Etoile Violette is even more vigorous than Alba Luxurians. You're going to need a clematis that's a bit more restrained. I suggest you have a look at Hawthorne Nurseries website. It's run by Richard Hodson who has already posted on this thread and he has the national collection of viticellas so is well placed to advise you.
Then you just have to find a suitable rose. If you want pale pink, then New Dawn is the most obvious choice for that aspect but if a pale yellow will do you could have a look at rambler Malvern Hills which is repeat flowering and perfumed and, being a rambler, is easier to train round doors and windows than a climber.
Thanks Obelixx. I already have a potted New Dawn which I could use, as well as a Generous Gardener and a Penny Lane, all waiting to go into the ground, once we move. I had thought about using one of those. Etoile V is obviously not going to work for the front then, as you say. Thanks you for the info - I shall look at that site.
I have clematis Betty Corning in a pot. It is perfumed, especially in the early evening and flowers over a long time. It has small light purple flowers with nodding heads, Group 3 so cut it all down in winter and it starts all over again from spring - easy. But in a pot it does need regular feeding and watering.
I also have Malvern Hills in a pot which means it's less vigorous than it would be in the ground, but again it needs regular care.
Thanks Busy-Lizzie: I particularly like that Betty Corning. Doesn't seem too vigorous either. I prefer the group 3's, as in tandem with a rose I can imagine it's then easier to prune them both, without disturbing one or the other.
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Thanks for sharing.
Can I ask: did you let your New Dawn establish for a couple of years first, before introducing the clematis?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I discovered Romantik recently, which is also a strong contender, as well as Etoile Violette.
My only concern is that unless I allow the rose to establish well first, the clem could take over, if it's a very vigorous variety.
I particularly like smaller flowered, deep purples and blues, with nodding heads.
My only clem is a viticella Alba Luxurians, which climbs from one foot above ground level in February, to a whopping 6 meters, every year. It is very beautiful, but not a lot else stands a chance on that trellis!
Having a clem I can cut right back to ground level in February, when it is combining with a rose, see,s like a good idea, as well as a clem that isn't as vigorous as my Alba.
Then you just have to find a suitable rose. If you want pale pink, then New Dawn is the most obvious choice for that aspect but if a pale yellow will do you could have a look at rambler Malvern Hills which is repeat flowering and perfumed and, being a rambler, is easier to train round doors and windows than a climber.
I have clematis Betty Corning in a pot. It is perfumed, especially in the early evening and flowers over a long time. It has small light purple flowers with nodding heads, Group 3 so cut it all down in winter and it starts all over again from spring - easy. But in a pot it does need regular feeding and watering.
I also have Malvern Hills in a pot which means it's less vigorous than it would be in the ground, but again it needs regular care.
Etoile V is obviously not going to work for the front then, as you say. Thanks you for the info - I shall look at that site.