General description: The Daniel Deronda large-flowered clematis was created in the second half of the 19th century by Charles Noble, the creator of other valued varieties such as Mrs Cholmondeley, Jackmanii Alba and The President.

Flowers: The Daniel Deronda clematis has large flowers, around 18 cm in diameter. They are semi-double, navy blue in colour and have a lighter streak running down the middle of each pointed petal. In the centre of each flower is a cluster of creamy-yellow anthers on pale filaments.

Blooming: This variety first blooms from May to June on old stems and repeats flowering from August to September on the current year’s shoots, although much less abundantly.

Leaves: Daniel Deronda's leaves are green, trifoliate with smooth edges.

Cultivation requirements: This clematis likes sunny or semi-shaded spots. Location near walls with south-eastern or south-western exposure are ideal. For optimal growth, the Daniel Deronda needs moist soil rich in humus, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The substrate must be breathable (heavy, compacted clays are not suitable).

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: 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. The Daniel Deronda should be pruned lightly. At the turn of February and March, dead or damaged stems should be removed, and healthy ones only lightly pruned – a year after planting just above healthy buds to some 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 up to 1.5 m (the younger or weaker the plant, the more should be cut from the top). Pruning branches that have finished flowering in the summer is highly recommended as this allows for new blossom on the current year’s shoots to flower.

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

Origin: Great Britain.