Clematis Violet Elizabeth

Clematis 'Violet Elizabeth' is a deciduous early large-flowered climber with soft mauve-pink to pink-lavender blooms and yellow anthers. Early flowers are double, while later blooms may be single or double. For Australian garden planning, allow approximately 2 m in height and about 1 m in width. Its manageable size suits a trellis, fence or pergola in a small garden and can also be trained in a substantial container.

Key features

• Botanical name: Clematis 'Violet Elizabeth'
• Breeder: Walter Pennell
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Named: 1974
• Plant type: deciduous early large-flowered climber
• Mature height: approximately 2 m for Australian planning
• Mature width: approximately 1 m
• Flower colour: soft mauve-pink to pink-lavender with yellow anthers
• Flower form: double early; later flowers may be single or double
• Flowering habit: an early display followed by later flowering after light pruning
• Position: sun to partial shade with a cool root zone
• Soil: deep, cool, moderately moist and well-drained
• Pruning: group 2
• Container suitability: suitable with climbing support

Growing in Australia

An Australian specialist source lists Violet Elizabeth at about 2 m or less, making this a practical planning height for local gardens. Choose sun to partial shade and keep the root zone cool and moderately moist. Provide firm support from planting. Light pruning after the early display may encourage later flowers, although their form can vary. The plant is deciduous and loses its foliage in winter. Exact flowering timing and mature size depend on climate, site and ongoing care.

Care tips

Water deeply during establishment and dry periods, avoiding a dry or waterlogged root zone. Apply mulch or use low companion plants to keep roots cool, leaving the crown uncovered. Feed during active growth according to the label of a suitable fertiliser. As a group 2 clematis, prune lightly to remove damaged growth and tidy selected stems while keeping the established framework for early flowering.

Best uses

• Trellises and fences
• Pergolas
• Small gardens
• Substantial containers with support

Purchase note

Available from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Clematis Violet Elizabeth grow?

For Australian garden planning, allow approximately 2 m in height and about 1 m in width.

What colour are the flowers?

They are soft mauve-pink to pink-lavender with yellow anthers.

Are all Violet Elizabeth flowers double?

The early flowers are double; later blooms may be either single or double.