Clematis Princess Kate Flowering Climber

Clematis Princess Kate is a stunning new variety of the old garden favourite, introduced in 2012 and named after the Duchess of Cambridge. A profuse flowering deciduous climber blooming from summer to autumn, it won Best New Plant at the 2012 Plantarium in the Netherlands. This variety is synonymous with Zoprika.

Developed by Vim Snojer in Boskoop, Netherlands, this vigorous new deciduous clematis has quickly become a UK favourite for its dramatic appearance and long flowering period. Starting in mid-summer and continuing through to early autumn, purple buds open into single, trumpet-shaped flowers facing upward. 6 cm long and 4 cm wide, the flowers are white on the inside, with striking plum-coloured stamens at the centre, contrasting with the dark pink stripe edged with white on the outside. These flowers will attract bees and butterflies to your garden!

Hardy in most of the UK, even in severe winters, Clematis Princess Kate will grow to a mature height of 2.5-4 metres and spread of 0.5-1 metre in 2 to 5 years. Provide support for the plant to climb up, such as a trellis or pergola, and tie new growth in to secure it to its support. It can be cut back to 3 feet above the ground level in late winter or early spring to ensure vigorous new growth and plenty of flowers each year.

Plant Clematis Princess Kate in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position in any moist but well-drained alkaline to neutral soil with plenty of humus added. Keep the base and roots mulched with pebbles or shaded, as clematis appreciates its feet in the shade and head in the sun. Do not let the soil dry out. Clematis are not salt-tolerant so need to be protected from sea winds in coastal regions, but they are tolerant of pollution so will do well in city gardens. Since they are deer and rabbit-resistant, they do not need extra protection on country properties.

Clematis Princess Kate is a great choice for training up a trellis against a wall, or to clothe a pergola in a long season of blooms. It can be grown in a container on a rooftop terrace or balcony, and can even be left to scramble through the limbs of a tree.

Clematis Princess Kate is a splendid new clematis which has become very popular for its striking colouring and long flowering period, making it a great choice for UK gardens large or small!