Clematis ‘Daniel Deronda’ is a highly regarded, deciduous climbing plant, often called the “Queen of Climbers” or “Old Man’s Beard”. It is renowned for its large, deep violet-blue, semi-double flowers that bloom in early summer, often followed by a second flush of single flowers in late summer.
Key Characteristics and Care:
- Appearance: The flowers are 6–9 inches across with a velvety texture, featuring contrasting creamy-white anthers. The petals sometimes show a lighter, paler blue or lavender bar down the center.
- Size: The plant typically reaches a height of 2.5–3.5 meters (8–11 feet) and a spread of 1 meter (3 feet).
- Hardiness: It is very hardy and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit.
- Light/Position: It thrives in full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: It prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
- Pruning: This is a Group 2 clematis, meaning it should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring.
- Uses: It is ideal for covering walls, fences, trellises, or for growing through trees and shrubs.
Tips for Growing:
- Plant Deeply: Plant the rootball 7.5cm (3 inches) below the soil level to encourage new shoots.
- Root Protection: Keep the roots cool and shaded, perhaps by using a mulch or planting smaller, low-growing plants at its base.
- Support: Provide a trellis or other support, as the plant can be heavy.
