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Perennial climbing plants
Ranunculaceae
Clematis duos
Acropolis and Diana’s Delight clematis duo
Clematis ‘Evipo078’ and Clematis ‘Evipo026’
Acropolis™ and Diana’s Delight™ form a compact clematis duo especially suited to patios, smaller gardens and large containers. Acropolis has cerise-pink flowers marked by a narrow red-purple bar, while Diana’s Delight opens violet purple and matures to blue. Both cultivars flower close to the base and extend their display from early summer into fall. Fine support, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil and consistent watering encourage abundant bloom. Cutting stems back to approximately 15 cm each year renews their compact framework, simplifies spring training and keeps the flowers close to eye level. The Acropolis clematis provides lasting warm colour, while Diana’s Delight clematis gradually introduces cooler blue tones.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; bright partial shade preserves the colours well
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 9
Discover the plant
Common nameAcropolis and Diana’s Delight clematis duo
FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusClematis
SpeciesGarden hybrids
CultivarEvipo078 (Acropolis) and Evipo026 (Diana’s Delight)
TypePerennial climbing plants
Botanical nameClematis ‘Evipo078’ and Clematis ‘Evipo026’
Acropolis™ and Diana’s Delight™ Clematis Duo (Clematis ‘Evipo078’ and Clematis ‘Evipo026’) brings together two compact climbers bred by Raymond Evison. Acropolis™ produces 7 to 10 cm cerise-pink flowers marked by a narrow red-purple bar and cream-white stamens. Diana’s Delight™ opens in violet-purple shades that mature to a softer blue around cream stamens. Their dense habits and flowers carried close to the base create an elegant contrast that remains easy to enjoy on a smaller support, beside a patio or in a generously sized container throughout the main summer garden season.
Both cultivars generally reach 90 to 120 cm according to the breeder, although Diana’s Delight™ may grow taller in favourable conditions. They prefer full sun or partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil. Install fine trelliswork, an obelisk or sturdy wires at planting time so their leaf stalks can grasp the support. Light mulch or a low companion plant helps keep roots cool without covering the crowns. Water deeply and consistently, especially in containers where potting mix dries quickly during hot or windy weather and flowering plants use moisture rapidly.
Acropolis™ flowers from early summer through late fall, while Diana’s Delight™ blooms from early summer to late summer or early fall. To renew their compact framework, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level in late winter or early spring. This duo suits patios, balconies, front borders and smaller vertical supports. Clematis is toxic when eaten, and its sap may irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves during pruning, collect cut stems promptly and keep plant debris away from pets or young children who chew garden plants in frequently used outdoor living spaces.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Approximately 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) between crowns
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings or layering; commercial propagation may be restricted
Growing method
Plant Acropolis™ and Diana’s Delight™ in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Improve a broad area with mature compost, then set the crowns 5 to 8 cm below the surface. Install fine trelliswork or a stable obelisk immediately. Space crowns approximately 60 to 90 cm apart and spread new shoots to either side before they intertwine. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry and keep roots cool with light mulch. In late winter, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above healthy buds. Feed lightly in spring without excessive nitrogen. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting, removing affected tissue promptly with disinfected tools. Check container moisture more often and protect pots from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. After the first bloom, remove only easily reached spent flowers and avoid shortening new stems severely because both cultivars can flower again later. Loosen ties as stems thicken. Leave several feathery seed heads in fall to extend interest, then stop feeding so plants can prepare for cold weather. Beside a wall, position crowns away from the foundation so rainfall actually reaches the roots. A site sheltered from strong wind also protects large flowers and slows container drying. Inspect drainage after heavy rain and never leave the pot standing in water, especially during cool spring or fall weather.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to alkaline
Care level
Intermediate
Watering
Water deeply and regularly during establishment so the root ball stays evenly moist without becoming saturated. In hot weather, check containers and plants growing beside walls more often because these sites dry quickly. Direct water toward the base instead of wetting foliage. Established clematis still perform best with consistent moisture and should not be treated as highly drought tolerant, especially while actively extending and flowering.
Soil type
Fertile, organic-rich soil that holds moisture yet drains well suits both cultivars. Loam, clay, sand or chalk-based soil can work when drainage remains effective. Mature compost improves water retention without leaving the crown waterlogged. Avoid sites where winter water collects, and keep the root zone cool during summer while allowing the flowering stems to reach good light. Work organic matter through a broad area rather than only inside the planting hole.
Fertilization
In spring, add mature compost or apply a balanced fertilizer according to label directions. A second light feeding after the first flower flush can support repeat bloom. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Water before and after feeding, then stop fertilizing early enough for stems to mature before winter. Container plants may need smaller, more regular applications because nutrients leach with watering.
Moisture
Moist soil without standing water
Seasonal care
In late winter or early spring, cut Acropolis™ and Diana’s Delight™ stems back to approximately 15 cm above soil level, just above vigorous buds. Wear gloves and use clean pruners because clematis sap may irritate skin. Remove dead stems, inspect the support and replace worn ties before growth resumes. In spring, add mature compost and renew light mulch without covering the crowns. Fan out new shoots while they remain flexible. Water deeply whenever the soil surface dries, especially in containers. Moderate balanced feeding supports flowering, whereas excessive nitrogen mainly produces foliage. After the first flush, maintain even moisture to encourage repeat bloom. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting. Stop feeding in fall, stabilize supports and leave several feathery seed heads for texture. In cold regions, insulate containers and prevent winter water from collecting around either crown. During prolonged rain, inspect drainage and remove diseased leaves that have fallen onto the soil. After windy weather, redirect loose shoots before they break. If growth becomes excessively dense, thin several weak stems instead of shortening the entire plant while buds are forming. Spent flowers may be removed for a tidier appearance, but leave several if feathery seed heads are desired. Check moisture beneath mulch rather than judging only its dry surface. As spring returns, resume watering gradually and watch tender new shoots for slug damage. Container plants may warm and begin growth earlier than garden plants, so continue protecting emerging stems from severe late frost and drying winds.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 45 cm (18 in) deep and wide for each plant; larger for the duo
Both cultivars suit containers because of their compact habits. Use a large frost-resistant pot with drainage holes and stable support. Keep potting mix evenly moist without waterlogging it, and insulate the container in winter. To combine both plants, choose a container substantially larger than the individual minimum, ideally about 60 cm wide or more depending on its shape. Fill it with quality potting mix amended with mature compost without blocking drainage holes. Install an obelisk before planting so roots are not damaged later. Space crowns apart and set them slightly deeper than they grew in production pots. Water slowly until excess drains freely, then let the surface begin drying before watering again. During hot weather, check moisture daily. A thin mulch layer limits evaporation without trapping water against stems. Feed moderately in spring and after the first flower flush. Before winter, move the pot to a sheltered location, insulate its sides and raise it so drainage remains open. In spring, replace the upper layer of mix, inspect root space and confirm that the support remains stable before new stems lengthen. Rotate the pot occasionally so both cultivars receive balanced light and grow evenly.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft) according to the breeder; Diana’s Delight may grow taller
Width / spread
Approximately 50 to 90 cm (20 to 36 in) per plant
Flower color
Cerise pink with red-purple bars and violet purple maturing to blue
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact, dense and bushy climber
Fragrance
Not fragrant
Bloom period
Acropolis™ produces 7 to 10 cm cerise-pink flowers with narrow red-purple bars and cream-white stamens from early summer through late fall. Diana’s Delight™ carries violet-purple flowers that mature to blue around cream stamens from early summer to late summer or early fall. Short pruning in late winter and consistent moisture encourage fresh flowering shoots close to the base and help maintain a compact display on smaller supports.
Fruiting
Achenes with decorative feathery styles late in the season
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair the duo with low perennials that shade the soil lightly without invading the crowns, such as coral bells, hardy geraniums, catmints or small ornamental grasses. Burgundy foliage repeats the red-purple bars of Acropolis, while silver foliage complements the blue tones of Diana’s Delight. Keep clear space around each base for watering, air circulation and pruning. Avoid vigorous plants or aggressive roots that could reduce available moisture. Pink, mauve or blue annuals in separate smaller containers repeat the flower palette without creating permanent root competition.
Plants to avoid
Avoid highly invasive plants or aggressive roots immediately around the crowns
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How should Acropolis and Diana’s Delight be pruned together?
The breeder recommends the same simple method for both cultivars. In late winter or early spring, before active growth resumes, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level, just above healthy buds. This short pruning renews the compact habit and stimulates flowering shoots from the base. Use clean pruners, wear gloves and collect debris because clematis sap may irritate skin. Inspect the support afterward. When new stems appear, spread them in a fan and tie them loosely before they become intertwined. Add light mulch without covering the crowns, then resume consistent watering as growth accelerates and flowering stems begin covering the support.
What colour difference distinguishes Acropolis and Diana’s Delight?
Acropolis™ produces 7 to 10 cm cerise-pink flowers marked by a narrow red-purple bar and cream-white stamens. Diana’s Delight™ instead opens in violet-purple shades, then matures toward a softer blue around cream stamens. To preserve a clear contrast, first direct each cultivar toward one side of the support, then allow only several shoots to cross. Bright partial shade can help the colours remain crisp during very hot weather. A black or charcoal support also strengthens both palettes without drawing attention away from the flowers and their changing tones. The contrast remains easy to see near eye level outdoors and in containers.
Does the Acropolis and Diana’s Delight duo suit containers?
Yes. Both cultivars were selected for compact habits and suit patios and large containers. Allow at least 45 cm of depth and width for each plant, or choose a substantially larger pot when combining the duo. The container should resist frost, provide several drainage holes and hold a stable obelisk. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the surface dries, and protect the pot from wind and repeated freeze-thaw cycles during winter. Check drainage again each spring before vigorous growth resumes. Light insulation around the pot walls also helps protect roots during severe winters without trapping excess moisture around the crowns.
When do Acropolis and Diana’s Delight flower?
Acropolis™ flowers from early summer through late fall according to the International Clematis Register. Diana’s Delight™ blooms from early summer to late summer or early fall. Their flowering periods therefore overlap extensively and create several months of cerise-pink, violet and blue contrast. Short late-winter pruning, consistently moist soil, adequate light and moderate feeding support this sequence. Exact timing varies with climate, exposure and plant establishment. Avoid excessive nitrogen because it encourages leafy growth rather than flower buds. A newly planted clematis may devote its first season to root establishment before reaching its full flowering potential in later years. New plants may bloom more fully in later garden seasons.
Are Acropolis and Diana’s Delight clematis toxic?
Yes. Clematis contains protoanemonin and is toxic to dogs, cats and horses when eaten. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. In people, plant material may cause severe mouth irritation, while sap can irritate sensitive skin. Wear gloves for pruning, wash exposed skin and never present any part as edible. Position the duo away from young children and pets that chew plants, and collect cut stems promptly after maintenance. If ingestion occurs or symptoms appear, contact an appropriate medical professional or veterinarian promptly. Do not attempt home treatment unless a qualified professional provides specific instructions for the situation. Keep cut stems out of any compost area accessible to pets or grazing animals.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Clematis flowers can be visited by bees and other insects seeking pollen, and some also supply nectar. Exact wildlife value varies by cultivar and region. This duo is therefore presented as useful to pollinating insects without promising specific attraction for butterflies or hummingbirds. Avoid spraying open flowers when pollinators are active.
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