Breeder to launch four new clematis varieties at Chelsea 2019 '“you can order them now

A top clematis breeder has unveiled four new varieties, which will be launched at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Clematis Blue Musk.Clematis Blue Musk.
Clematis Blue Musk.

Thorncroft Clematis, which has 11 Chelsea gold medals to its name, has revealed the four, which can be ordered online now.

Clematis Blue Musk

Clematis Meghan.Clematis Meghan.
Clematis Meghan.

This variety has a strong almond scent, particularly good in the evening and early morning.

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It flowers on new growth of about three metres during April and early May, which is before most large/open-flowered clematis come into bloom.

It is best grown in part sun/dappled shade and is ideal for growing up a pergola or on a patio.

Clematis Meghan

Clematis Super Night.Clematis Super Night.
Clematis Super Night.

This one is named after Meghan Markle.

The summer blooms are dark red, produced in abundance from May-June and again from late July-September, on the current season’s growth.

At a maximum height of five-foot, Meghan is ideal for planting in a container or growing up an obelisk, as well as in the border or grown on a pergola.

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Prune annually in February/March to maximise the flowering potential.

From the J van Zoest nursery in Holland is:

Clematis Spotlight

This variety carries its flowers all the way up the stems, from the bottom to the top.

The pale mauve-blue flowers have a hint of a white bar and an almost luminous quality.

Superb in sun or a slight shade. Flowers May-June and August-September up to around 4-6 feet and can be pruned quite hard each spring.

Clematis Super Night

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A viticella clematis, it is fully hardy, flowers from June-September, and is wilt free.

Growth of about six to eight feet each year allows this natural climber to clothe arbours, arches or combine with a rose or another clematis, such as Sea Breeze.

All of these varieties cost £15 for a two-year-old plant.

Numbers are limited, so order online at www.thorncroftclematis.co.ukGET IN TOUCH

l For more information, plus cook what you grow, recipes, environmental news and more, log on to the website at www.mandycanudigit.com – which is also now smartphone friendly. You can also follow Mandy on Twitter @MandyCanUDigIt or you can like me on my Facebook page at Mandycanudigit

JOBS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

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Sweet peas can be sown early, in the glasshouse, for next spring

Grey mould (Botrytis) can be problematic in wet weather. Remove affected leaves and other parts as soon as the symptoms are seen.

Avoid feeding plants late in the season, as this will encourage soft, sappy growth that is more vulnerable to damage by frost.

Prune bush roses now, as reducing their height will prevent wind rock. These plants are generally shallow-rooted and can become loose in the soil if buffeted by strong winds. Climbing roses should be pruned now.

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Reduce watering of houseplants as the days shorten and growth slows. Stand tropical plants on trays of wet gravel to counteract the drop in humidity when the central heating comes on. Grouping them together can also help to create a more humid microclimate.

Pot up prepared hyacinth bulbs if not done last month. This way you will have them flowering for Christmas or new year. Plant up containers with Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) bulbs for a new year display..

Any remaining summer bedding plants struggling on are best cleared and replaced.