General description: The Polish Spirit clematis was introduced on the marked at the end of the 20th century. The creator of the Polish Spirit is Stefan Franczak, one of the most notable clematis horticulturalists, known for creating the Blue Angel, John Paul II, Baltic, Westerplatte and Mother Urszula Ledóchowska varieties. Polish Spirit was awarded the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the British Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

Flowers: This clematis has single, dark coloured flowers composed of four to six violet-purple petals of about 8-10 cm in diameter. In the centre of each flowers is a cluster of purple-red anthers suspended from green-coloured filaments. 

Blooming: Polish Spirit begins to flower in June and repeatedly blooms until October.

Leaves: This clematis has small green leaves, pinnately compound made of 5-7 leaflets that remain verdant until autumn.

Cultivation requirements: The Polish Spirit is frost resistant. It can be planted next to fences and natural support. It grows well in sunny spots but also tolerates semi-shade. Locations near walls with south-eastern or south-western exposure are highly recommended. This clematis needs soil abundant in humus and moisture, with a near-neutral pH (slightly acidic or slightly alkaline) for optimal growth. The substrate must be breathable (heavy, compacted clays are not suitable therefore must be broken up and aerated if no other option is available).

Care: In autumn it is worth covering the base of the plant either with compost or decomposed, old or granulated manure, and in spring applying a mineral fertilizer is recommended. Regular generous watering is needed during the growth season (unless heavy rainfall occurs).

Pruning: The Polish Spirit requires fairly heavy pruning in spring. It should be cut to a height of around 50 cm.

Props: Thanks to the petioles the Polish Spirit produces, it easily grows on all kinds of nets, poles, hung ropes, grates and trellises, fences, pergolas and arbours.

Overwintering: This clematis is frost resistant (in hardiness zone 4, withstanding -34°C). Protecting young seedlings for the winter is advised, by piling a mound of soil or peat about 30 cm in height over the plant. This clematis is a deciduous shrub.

Origin: Poland.