Clematis viticella group Burford Princess in the garden here today.
As a National Collection Holder, I have a responsibility to try and source some of the older, almost extinct, varieties of clematis before they are lost forever.
Sadly, many have slipped through the net in earlier years and even though they may have been replaced by more modern, flashier, forms, it is sad that some fantastic plants raised by very knowledgeable breeders are no longer available.
One of my Collections, which includes several of my favourite, most reliable, garden plants, is the Viticella Group, reliably hardy, low maintenance, and very colourful over a long period. The Collection now houses over 100 different cultivars and species including several associated with the late John Treasure, who lived at Burford House near Tenbury Wells from 1954 until just before his death in 1993, another truly remarkable English clematis breeder who was responsible for a superb range of plants, several now lost. Also, after his death, several more new cultivars were Registered by Treasures of Tenbury
This really good Viticella Group cultivar, introduced by Treasures of Tenbury after John’s death, is Burford Princess, which I was so very fortunate to acquire many years ago. I have on my desk a well-thumbed book by the late Dr. John Howells, ‘ Trouble free clematis – The Viticellas ‘ Whilst reading this book, in September 2003, I came across clematis Burford Princess, which I had never heard of so I phoned Burford House, the lady on the switchboard gave me the phone number of the ex Head Gardener who I contacted and he told me that he believed the original plant was still in the old greenhouses and if I would call on Sunday morning with cash, he would put it ready for collection. So I set off early Sunday, collected what looked like a bucketful of compost and twigs and hurried home, a round trip of almost 270 miles, repotted and nurtured the plant, propagated a few and now the Princess is available again at my place in Lancashire. Hawthornes Clematis Nursery, Marsh Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6XT.
Isn't that to do with Burford house /Burford Princess was raised by John Treasure. Neat if Mr H has the original plant.
Our Niobe looks so dark compared to Marlorenas, although it does "fade" to a brighter colour in the sun which I hate about some of the reds. It does not go that bright here. Maybe because we are a more shady site? Dunno.
Finding a nice red that does not fade to one of the brighter pinks shades is hard. I loved Westerplatte at first but it did not bode well in the fade. So sorry it had to go.
Though we have been growing Gravetye in its place to mingle with a Trachelospermum jasminoides. Mildew sometimes but a nice red =red.
Well worth the trouble Richard, you must be proud of that acquisition.. like roses, the world of Clematis needs its collectors very much I think.. If I had more room I would certainly be buying that one..
'Walenburg'.. similar to 'Minuet' but more purple.. 'Margaret Hunt' gets better every day..
@Richard Hodson Do you keep all types of Clematis or just ones cultivated here? Is it true that my Yikikomachi ( with a name like that I would presume Japanese) is a rare one?
..very nice, I'm pleased it's doing well for you, mine has just finished its flush so waiting for some more... I like to check out the back of the flower too, as they have white stripes on each tepal..
My Clematis 'Etoile Violette' has surpassed itself this year. It was originally trained up a Pittisporum which died last winter so had to put mesh on the fence so it had somewhere to go! Bought in Morrisons 12 years ago for £1. Quite a bargain.
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Neat if Mr H has the original plant.
Our Niobe looks so dark compared to Marlorenas, although it does "fade" to a brighter colour in the sun which I hate about some of the reds. It does not go that bright here. Maybe because we are a more shady site? Dunno.
Finding a nice red that does not fade to one of the brighter pinks shades is hard.
I loved Westerplatte at first but it did not bode well in the fade. So sorry it had to go.
Though we have been growing Gravetye in its place to mingle with a Trachelospermum jasminoides.
Mildew sometimes but a nice red =red.
If I had more room I would certainly be buying that one..
'Walenburg'.. similar to 'Minuet' but more purple..
'Margaret Hunt' gets better every day..
Do you keep all types of Clematis or just ones cultivated here?
Is it true that my Yikikomachi ( with a name like that I would presume Japanese) is a rare one?
'The Vagabond'.. very good continuous bloom..
'Valour'..
'Royal Velours'.. a very dark viticella and quite rampant..
It was originally trained up a Pittisporum which died last winter so had to put mesh on the fence so it had somewhere to go!
Bought in Morrisons 12 years ago for £1.
Quite a bargain.
'Niobe'..
'Margaret Hunt' / 'Royal Velours'..
'Valour'..
'Walenburg'.. planted in Spring..