Clematis Polish Spirit A really outstanding, large-flowered clematis, Clematis Polish Spirit is a vigorous, deciduous, self-clinging, herbaceous perennial climber, beautiful over an arbour or pergola, or encouraged through a tree. Three-part, typical clematis leaves are mid-green, persisting in good condition throughout the season. Large, four- to six-petalled rich purple-blue flowers with creamy stamens are borne prolifically from July to September. A Group 3 viticella-type clematis, it’s very easily pruned: simply cut right back to two fat buds 6-8”/15-20cm above the ground in late February or early March. Clematis like a cool, spacious root-run, so place flag-stones over the roots, or a rich mulch in spring. Resistant to clematis wilt, clematis Polish Spirit holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: July to SeptemberHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 13’ (4m) Spread: 6’ 6” (2m)