Species Clematis 'Negritjanka'

A profusion of deep, plum purple flowers from late spring to autumn. Clematis ‘Negritjanka’ (Syn. Negritianka) is one of the darkest Clematis colours available.

Clematis ‘Negritjanka’ was bred at the Kiev Botanical Garden in the Ukraine, in the 1960’s. It is a Viticella cross, with Clematis hybrid ‘Gipsy Queen’.

Viticella Clematis, are also known as Italian Clematis, they are easy, hardy and will establish quickly. The flowers are small, but there are LOTS of them, they literally cover the tendrils. They have good heat tolerance and so will take more sun than the larger flowering varieties of Clematis and the cut flowers will even last well in a vase.

Viticella Clematis flower spring to autumn on the current seasons growth. They are pruning Group 3, so when the flowers finish you simply cut it just above the ground, next season it will grow to its full, dramatic size.

Clematis grow well where Roses grow well. They are also excellent in combination. You can use similar colours for a lovely blend or create some drama with complimentary shades. In fact, Clematis intermingle well with many plants – trees and shrubs especially as they can be used for climbing in a beautiful symbiosis. They are so versatile, you can even grow them in pots.

The old adage is to plant your clematis so their 'head' is in the sun and their 'feet' are in the shade. In other words they like their root zone to be cool and protected, and the stem to grow up into a sunny position. You can protect the root zone with mulch and/or by using other plants to shield the roots from the sun.

Grow Clematis in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. They need good drainage or the roots can rot. Plant so they will receive around six hours sun a day and are shielded from the hot afternoon rays. To perform at their best they should be fertilised well, to do this you can use a Rose Fertiliser every three months or so. They get better and better as they establish, so while the first season might be a bit ho hum, prepare to be amazed in the next.