Clematis 'Alionushka'

The pendulous, mauve pink bells grow 5-8cm and open freely through summer and into autumn. Strong growing and a great companion to shrubs such as Camellias or Roses.
While new to us, it was bred in Crimea in 1967, a cross of C. ‘Nezhdannyi and C. integrifolia by A.H. Volosenko-Valensis and M.A. Beskaravajnaja. The name is a Russian girl’s name and has a range of spellings, Alyonushka, Aljenushka and Aljonushka.
Clematis ‘Alionushka’ holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for its durability and strong growth.
Clematis grow well where Roses grow well, and they are also excellent in combination. You can use similar colours for a lovely blend, or create some drama with bright shades. Clematis will also intermingle well with many other plants.

Clematis are a fabulous addition to the garden as they are fast growing and produce lots of flowers.
The old saying is to plant your Clematis so their ‘head’ is in the sun and their ‘feet’ are in the shade. In other words, they like their root zone to be cool and protected while their tendrils enjoy the sunshine. In exposed positions this can be achieved with mulch and or by using other plants to shield the roots from the sun. The plant should be allowed to grow up into a sunny position.
Clematis can be trained to grow on a trellis, fence, through trees and shrubs, along pergolas or any where you like! They will need something a centimetre or less to twine in order to climb. They are so versatile, you can even use them as a ground cover.
To perform at their best, Clematis should be fertilised well. Use a Rose Fertiliser every three months or when they are actively growing.
Grow Clematis in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. They need good drainage or the roots will rot. Plant Clematis so they will receive around six hours sun a day and shield from the hot afternoon rays. You can even choose to grow your Clematis in pots.