Back in April I highlighted one of this year’s new clematis introductions from Raymond Evison, Alaina (‘Evipo 056′), this time I’m taking a look at the other two. The Countess of Wessex™ (‘Evipo073’) (above) was chosen as the variety to carry her name by Her Royal Highness herself from a range of new Raymond Evison clematis varieties. The 5–7in/14–17cm single flowers are an especially delightful soft colouring.
Each of the six petals is blushed white with a slightly darker central stripe through the centre, while in the middle of the flower the ring of maroon anthers makes a striking contrast. The edges of each petal are appealingly rippled. The flowers open early to mid-summer, sometimes take a short break, then bloom again in late summer to early autumn.
With its delicate colouring, which fades in bright sun, The Countess of Wessex™ is ideal out of direct sunlight, facing north, east or north west is ideal, and reaching only 4-5ft/1.2-1.5m is ideal in a container on the shady side of the patio. Even shorter, but happy in any aspect, Zara™ (‘Evipo062’) (below) has lovely pale blue 4–5in/10-13cm single flowers, with six broad overlapping petals and a mass of golden anthers in the centre
Reaching only 3-4 ft/1–1.2m in height, this is one of Raymond Evison’s most compact varieties and ideal for the smallest of spaces flowering from early summer to early autumn, with perhaps a short rest.
Pruning of both these new clematis is simple: cut back to 12in/30cm in spring.
