Dutch breeder’s final legacy unveiled from Thorncroft Clematis
Specialist growers Thorncroft Clematis have unveiled clematis Lavallee No. 1, the company’s first new introduction since Sugar Sweet Blue at RHS Chelsea 2019.
Lavallee No. 1 first appeared in small numbers at Thorncroft’s village Open Gardens weekend in mid-June. However, the plants are now available in much greater numbers for national sale.
The rich deep bluey-purple flowers blend to an almost white bar in the centre of the tepal. Very prominent purple stamens like luxurious eyelashes radiate from the centre.
The white bar also has bluey-purple veins across it and occasionally, the white bar is more pronounced. Flowers are produced profusely across the plant in late spring and early summer, then again in late summer and autumn.
Best to protect Clematis Lavallee in winter
Although hardy, it does not like to be wet over the winter. It’s ideal for a container where it can be protected.
Bred by renowned breeder Ton Hannink from the Netherlands, clematis Lavallee No. 1 is a part of a long-lasting breeding programme. Sadly, Ton died in November 2021 and did not get to see this clematis introduced. He also bred Burning Love and Sugar Sweet Blue.
However, working with Marie-Laure and Benoit Javoy and their nursery Javoy Plantes in France, Thorncroft Clematis has been able to share in Ton’s legacy.
The name Lavallee No. 1 means ‘The Valley’ and this is plant No. 1 in a series of plants to be introduced. Plants are available now in a 3-litre pot, price £19.95 plus postage from Thorncroft Clematis, thorncroftclematis.co.uk.
