Viticella
Included in this group are those clematis commonly thought of as Viticella's, or viticella crosses. However we have taken the liberty to include some other cultivars in this group because their growth, habit and appearance is identical to that of the Viticella's. They include the likes of 'Blekitny Aniol', 'Polish Spirit' and 'Prince Charles' because of their similarities, and for ease of selection, we feel justified in placing them within this group.
They are all extremely hardy, very free flowering, their pruning is simple and they cannot be recommended highly enough. Especially useful for people new to growing clematis as they are extremely tolerant of what the gardener does to them! They all make excellent companions to grow with roses.
Tips for the Viticella.
These clematis prefer a good quality soil with high nutrient levels and a soil which is moist but free-draining. Improve planting holes with at least 2 forkfuls of well rotted manure or garden compost and if you don't have these use a 'Soil Improver' compost. The improvement material added should be placed under the root of the plant not around it. This encourages the roots to grow downwards and remain deep and cool during summer.There is no need to deadhead these clematis, however if they appear to have finished flowering earlier than you expected, there is no harm in giving them a light trim to encourage new growth and a secondary flowering late in the autumn.