
-
Why we like this plant
Need a climber that’s fuss-free but delivers loads of colour just when the garden’s winding down? 'Polish Spirit' is your hero. With masses of rich purple blooms that thrive even in partial shade, it’s a fantastic way to extend the flowering season into autumn. It's also a brilliant choice for hiding tired shrubs or growing over arches and pergolas with barely any effort required.
-
About this plant
Clematis viticella 'Polish Spirit' is a richly coloured, vigorous climber that offers a profusion of velvety purple blooms from mid to late summer. Each flower features four broad, slightly twisted petals and creamy-yellow stamens, creating a bold contrast. This reliable deciduous clematis is perfect for growing through trees, over trellises, or up obelisks. With excellent disease resistance and low maintenance needs, it's a go-to for gardeners seeking effortless late-season impact.
-
Key features
- Deep purple, velvety flowers
- Prolific summer flowering
- Vigorous and easy to grow
- Excellent disease resistance
- Great for naturalising through shrubs or trees
-
Eventual height and
spreadHeight: 300–400cm | Spread: 150–200cm
-
Growth
habitA strong climber with a free-flowing, naturalistic habit, ideal for sprawling through shrubs or climbing garden structures.
-
Moisture
Moist but well-drained
-
Position in
the GardenGreat for growing over arches, through trees, or against fences and walls
Planting guide
Plant 5–8cm below the soil surface in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a sturdy support or let it scramble through a tree or large shrub. Keep the base cool with mulch or companion planting.
Care tips
Cut back hard in February or March (Group 3). Feed in spring with a general fertiliser. Mulch annually and water during dry spells to keep it performing at its best.
Winter care
Fully hardy. Prune hard in late winter or early spring (Group 3), cutting stems to 20–30cm above ground level to encourage strong new growth.