I spotted this unusual clematis growing at Wollerton Old Hall several years ago and was captivated by its velvety deep purple flowers. So dark, they’re almost black when they first open. Pale yellow stamens form a crown in the centre of the flower creating a wonderful contrast.

My plant climbs up through an old camellia where its dark blooms show up quite well against the mid green leaves. However, I wish I’d thought to plant it through another shrub, such as Philadelphus aureus coronarius, where the purple flowers would look wonderful against the golden foliage.

Delving into the breeding of this clematis, I discovered that it is just one of many superb clematis bred by Uno Kivistik of Estonia. Bred in 1983, ’Romantika’ is classed as a Jackmanii clematis which guarantees strong, fast growth and a long flowering season. July – September in my garden, 2 – 2.5m high.

As a late flowered cultivar ‘Romantika’ should be pruned almost to the ground in late Feb or early March. It can be grown in any aspect and does not suffer too much from the bleaching affect of the sun. However, it’s one vice is that it’s prone to mildew, so position it somewhere with good air circulation. Despite the mildew, I still think it’s an excellent plant as a partner for similar sized shrubs or roses and I will be enjoying its sultry flowers until early autumn.