Clematis recta purpurea

A clump forming perennial with purple foliage when young and panicles of star shaped heavily scented white flowers with cream anthers. Height 1.2m Spread 75cm.

This attractive purple-leaved clematis is worth growing for its foliage alone. Its non-clinging stems can be allowed to flop into surrounding plants or supported with pea sticks. From mid-summer to early autumn, it produces masses of white, star-like flowers. However if it is being grown for its colourful foliage, it is worth trimming back the plant several times during the growing season as this produces fresh growth with the most intensely-coloured leaves. This method will mean that few if any flowers will be produced.