Clematis smilacifolia NJM 10.094

A striking looking evergreen Clematis with a range from Nepal to New Guinea, this was found in the Sapa area of N. Vietnam on karstic limestone. Large deltoid-ovate leaves are variably marked with silver-grey above and variably deep claret-purple below. Flowers should be purple and white, though can vary one way or the other. Far hardier and more growable than the older clone(s) in cultivation, though still tricky. Virtually never grown, try this in mild areas like London, Cornwall, sheltered coastal gardens etc. or as a conservatory plant.