General description: Słowianka was created by Stefan Franczak, one of the most renowned clematis horticulturalists, known for introducing varieties such as Blue Angel, John Paul II, Polish Spirit, Westerplatte or Mother Ursula Ledóchowska.

Flowers: Słowianka has single flowers. They are almost round, about 10cm in diameter, with 6 broad, rounded at the apex, dark red-purple petals with a bright red band through the centre. It displays cream-coloured stamens and yellow anthers.

Blooming: This clematis blooms on the current year's shoots from June to July, then repeats flowering, although less profusely, until October.

Leaves: Light green.  

Cultivation requirements: This clematis can grow in sunny, semi-shaded or shaded spots. However, it thrives best in locations with lots of sunlight. Places near walls with south-eastern or south-western exposure are ideal. Słowianka needs moist soil rich in humus, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH for optimal growth. The substrate must be permeable (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: Trimming a young clematis plant should not be feared – such pruning forces outward growth right from the base, and as a result the vine looks denser in later years. This variety requires strong pruning in spring by cutting to a height of around 20-50 cm above ground. Dead and damaged stems should be removed in early spring.  

Props: This clematis easily creeps up all kinds of nets, poles, ropes, trellises, fences, pergolas and arbours. Thanks to its petioles, it can also climb up natural supports, such as deciduous and coniferous bushes and dwarf shrubs.

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.