About

Clematis 'Happy Anniversary' is a deciduous vine that can reach heights of approximately 3 meters. It boasts vibrant green leaves and produces blooms in late spring to early summer on stems that developed the previous year, followed by a second round of flowering in late summer on fresh growth. The flowers measure 18-20 cm in diameter, featuring deep purple petals with wavy edges, complemented by cream and dark red stamens.

About the genus

Clematis includes a variety of plants, ranging from deciduous and evergreen shrubs to herbaceous perennials. Many of these species are climbers, utilizing twining leaf stalks for support, and they frequently produce prominent flowers. In the fall, certain varieties develop appealing fluffy seed heads.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral, Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Climber Wall Shrub

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Toxicity

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles. Plant with the crown 5-8cm (2-3in) deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. Can be grown in containers at least 45cm (18in) deep and wide in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost. See clematis cultivation

Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 2

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings taken from spring to late summer, or by layering from late winter to spring

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux