Description
Clematis ‘Vyvyan Pennell’ is one of the most dramatic and luxurious large‑flowered clematis cultivars, renowned for its sumptuous double blooms in early summer and elegant single flowers later in the season. Its rich purple‑violet tones, layered petals and impressive size make it a standout feature on arches, trellises, obelisks and cottage‑style borders. This cultivar brings a sense of depth and opulence to any garden, while remaining reliable, hardy and surprisingly easy to grow.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Vegetative soft-wood cuttings.
Substrate: Jiffy peat-free propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 3.5cm.
Production system: Grown without artificial light or heating for hardened plants.
Flowers: Deep purple‑violet double blooms in late spring; semi‑double or single flowers in late summer.
Foliage: Mid‑green, divided leaves that create a lush, textured backdrop
Flowering period: Typically May–June, with a second flush in August–September.
Height: Up-to 300cm at maturity.
Spread: Up-to 100cm at maturity.
Hardiness: Hardy in most UK regions.
Pollinator value: Highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects.
Sensory value: Ideal for SEND gardens and therapeutic planting schemes.
Ecological impact: Grown in peat-free substrate with no artificial inputs, pollinator and wildlife-friendly.
Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliability, ornamental value, and strong garden performance.
Planting & Care:
Prefers full sun or light shade & moist but well‑drained alkaline to neutral soils.
Mulch in autumn to protect roots in colder climates.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushiness as per RHS’s Group 2 pruning guide.
Ideal for containers, covering fences, pergolas, arches, and Pollinator/Wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Commercial Notes:
CLEMATIS ‘Vyvyan Pennell’ are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
Ideal for nursery, and wholesale formats and performs well in peat-free and organic programs.
Suitable for wildlife-friendly, and sustainable product ranges.
