Often found in gardens, clematis are a relative newcomer to the cut flower industry.
This particular variety which I bought at New Covent Garden Flower Market on Monday, is called ‘Blue Pirouette’.
It was one of the first clematis to be selected for use within the cut flower trade.
I love the delicate nature of its blooms and the graduation of the different tones of purple on its petals.
In the UK, you’ll be able to find this, together with a hot pink variety called ‘Inspiration’, at flower markets and in florists’ shops.
Clematis are a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family and their name comes from the Greek work ‘klematis’, which means vine or climbing plant.
Wonderful in hand-tied bouquets and arrangements, they’re perfect for shower bridal bouquets too because of their trailing nature.
With regards to care, cut the stems and then place the flowers in clean water, keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Most clematis have a vase life of 7-10 days. If you find that the blooms droop, you can revive them by re-cutting the stems and spraying them lightly with water.
They’re available all year round and sometimes in two different stem lengths.
Do keep a look-out for a new variety too called ‘Star River’, which is pale lilac/light blue in colour.
(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)
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