Postings: Which clematis has the darkest leaves?

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Which clematis has the darkest leaves?

Printed From: British Clematis Society Forum
Category: Clematis
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URL: http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=543
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Topic: Which clematis has the darkest leaves?

Posted By: jaketurnbull
Subject: Which clematis has the darkest leaves?
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2013 at 3:33pm

Hello everyone!

I would really like to grow a clematis with dark purple leaves. Do they exist, and if so, what would you recommend? Ideally, I would like a vigorous, robust and fast-growing one, like a montana, but happy to try anything really, as long as it can survive a hard frost and a bit of snow.

Smile

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The secret to happiness is growing more plants.

Replies:

Posted By: schristmas
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2013 at 11:44pm

Hi,

There are few clematis with truly dark purple leaves and those that show this trait tend to lose it as they mature.

Of those you are interested in, certain montanas display dark green to bronze foliage (Mayleen or Pictons Variety spring to mind).

Posted By: jaketurnbull
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2013 at 8:47pm

Many thanks for this- extremely helpful, I will investigate the varities you suggest. Smile

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The secret to happiness is growing more plants.

Posted By: yaku
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2013 at 7:44am

Montana 'Freda' are the darkest in the Montana Group!

Posted By: Nunn00123
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2013 at 3:26pm

Do bear in mind that montanas are not that hardy, sugest that you look around in others garden to see if they grow well. Might be okay in Newcastle as it is near the coast.

In Cambridge montanas have been killed by the last few winters. I have seen montanas in Edinburgh botanics, but they were looking a little sad. The furthest north I have seen a montana was on the north eastern end of Loch Lomond, but this was in an area where the the body of water protected the plant from frost.

C. montana Freda has survived in our garden, whereas three other clones have been killed.

Cheers

Roy