Clematis hybrid Minister uspp#22899

Inventor:  Uno and Aili Kivistik, Estonia

Plants:  “Minister” displays large violet blue double or semi double flowers in spring and single blooms later. Shown off with creamy colored filaments tipped and with reddish-purple anthers. The flowers 6 tepals have a slightly infused darker violet bar and are elliptic pointed to 10 cm length!  Blooming very prolifically from late spring to late summer.   Bred to withstand the cold climates of Estonia. “Minister” is absolutely excellent for container growing and small gardens, with its compact growth habit, meeting the current trends.  As with all of the fine Kivistik clematis hybrid selections, this clematis blooms annually, developing flowers on the current seasons growth. Continued success is a sure thing with this clematis! The Kivistiks have resolved the frustrations of the past for the clematis gardeners!

Mr. Everett Leeds, BCS Trials Ground coordinator and author of “An Illustrated  Encyclopedia of Clematis” (a must have book for clematis growers) is presenting the Kivistiks,  a Commended Certificate in April 2012 for the  proven superb Clematis Minister. After extensive testing by the British Clematis Society at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Deers Farm Estate at Wisely,  Surrey England, for three years.  This is a very prestigious honour to the breeder, what an accomplishment! “Minister” will give you the show and success you want with clematis growing!

Colour:  violet blue
Blooming Season:  May, June, September
Zone: 3-9
Mature Size:  flower diameter  15 -20cm / Vine  H 180 cm  W 80cm

Care:  Plant in sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained alkaline soil. Dig a hole 12 cm deeper than the root ball, then plant with enriched soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is slightly higher than ground level. Back fill with enriched soil.

Regular deep watering is important to ensure the root ball does not dry out. Fertilize consistently with a well balanced general fertilizer beginning in April at start of growth. To keep roots cool, use mulch to reduce the soil temperature. A once-a-year application of lime will do the trick. This Kivistik clematis has repeat blooming, so prune old flowers after finished, and you will enjoy more blooms.

“Minister”  is well suited for cold climates and can be pruned 30cm  from the ground and then mulched before winter. It has been bred and tested for the climates of  Estonia. (group 2) Disease and insect resistance as well.