Clematis ‘Star of India’ is a robust, fast-growing, deciduous climber known for its striking purple flowers with a distinct carmine-red stripe and pointed tips, creating a star-like shape. Blooming in summer to early autumn, this late-flowering variety thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for covering walls, fences, or trellises.
Key Features & Care Tips:
- Appearance: Distinctive purple, star-shaped flowers with a central, vibrant red stripe, blooming from July to September.
- Growth: A vigorous climber reaching heights of to , ideal for covering pergolas or trellises.
- Light: Prefers a position in full sun or partial shade, but needs some shade to prevent the vibrant purple color from fading.
- Soil: Requires moist, fertile, well-drained soil, ideally improved with compost or manure.
- Planting: Plant the rootball () below soil level to encourage new shoots from the base.
- Pruning: As a late-flowering variety, it is usually pruned hard in early spring, cutting back to a pair of strong buds about () above ground level.
This historic variety was featured in gardening literature as early as 1871. It is a versatile choice for adding vertical, vibrant color to a garden.
