General description: The Westerplatte clematis is a stunning Polish variety with large, deep-crimson flowers. Recommended for growing in containers. It was created by Stefan Franczak and awarded a gold medal at the Plantarium exhibition in the Netherlands in 1998.

Flowers: The Westerplatte clematis has large, velvety, bright crimson flowers, around 12-14 cm in diameter, composed of 6-8 petals with a white stripe underneath. The stamens have dark red anthers on white filaments.

Blooming: This variety begins to bloom profusely in June on the previous year's stems, and repeats flowering from July until August on the current year's shoots.

Leaves: The Westerplatte clematis has light green leaves.

Cultivation requirements: The Westerplatte variety likes sunny or semi-shaded locations and grows well under any exposure (N, S, E or W). For optimal growth, the Westerplatte clematis needs moist soil rich in humus, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The substrate must be breathable (heavy, compacted clays are not suitable but sandy soils are also not advised).

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 Westerplatte should be pruned lightly. At the turn of February and March, dead or damaged stems should be removed, and healthy ones only lightly trimmed – a year after planting just above healthy buds to around 30 cm above ground; in the second year, some 70 cm above ground, and in later years it should be cut to a height of 1.3-1.5 m (the younger or weaker the plant, the more should be cut from the top). Trimming a young clematis plant should not be feared – such pruning forces outward growth right from the base, and as a result the shrub looks denser in later years. Pruning branches that have finished flowering in the summer is advised as this allows for new blossom on the current year’s shoots to flower.

Props: This clematis easily grows on all kinds of nets, poles, hung ropes, grates and trellises, fences, pergolas and arbours. The elements of support should not exceed 1 cm in diameter.

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

Origin: Poland.