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Perennial climbing plants
Ranunculaceae
Compact blue clematis for patios
Diana’s Delight clematis
Clematis ‘Evipo026’
Diana’s Delight™ is a compact, free-flowering clematis with large flowers approximately 15 cm across. Six sepals open rich violet with purple tones, then gradually mature to blue around a starry centre of cream stamens. A first wave appears from May through July, followed by another from August into September. With a usual height of 90 to 120 cm in the breeder’s compact selection, this climber suits patios, smaller gardens, obelisks and large containers. Stable support, fertile moisture-retentive soil and suitable annual pruning maintain a dense manageable habit that remains easy to appreciate near outdoor living areas. beside patios and entrances.
- Exposure
- Any aspect; full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 9
Discover the plant
Common nameDiana’s Delight clematis
FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusClematis
SpeciesGarden hybrids
CultivarEvipo026 (Diana’s Delight)
TypePerennial climbing plants
Botanical nameClematis ‘Evipo026’
Diana’s Delight™ Clematis (Clematis ‘Evipo026’) is a compact climber bred by Raymond Evison, named in honour of Lady Diana Rowland and launched at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. Its large, flat flowers measure approximately 15 cm and usually have six elliptical sepals with gently wavy edges and pointed tips. Blooms open in rich violet and purple tones, then become progressively bluer as they mature. Cream stamens form a bright starry centre. Upward-facing flowers stand out against deciduous olive-green foliage and appear abundantly during two distinct flowering periods on an accessible compact framework.
Diana’s Delight generally reaches 90 to 120 cm tall in the compact form marketed by the breeder, with an approximate spread of 50 to 100 cm. Under very favourable conditions and with maturity, some horticultural sources indicate that it may become taller. It is especially suitable for large containers, obelisks, smaller trellises and airy shrubs. Full sun or partial shade is suitable. Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil, setting the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface. Install support at planting so leaf stalks can grasp it safely as fresh stems lengthen through spring.
The first flowering period runs from May through July on older stems, followed by another wave from August into September on current-season growth. For the breeder’s simple method, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm in late winter or early spring. Light Group 2 pruning can instead retain more older wood and encourage the earliest flowers. Water deeply when the soil surface dries and feed moderately in spring. Every clematis is toxic when eaten, and sap may irritate sensitive skin; wear gloves during maintenance and collect cut material promptly after pruning.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Approximately 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) between crowns
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings or layering; commercial propagation may be restricted
Growing method
Plant Diana’s Delight™ in fertile, organic-rich, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil in full sun or full sun or light shade. Set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface and immediately install a smaller trellis, obelisk or fine wires. Water deeply whenever the surface begins to dry, then add light mulch without covering the crown. Fan out new shoots while they remain flexible and loosen ties as stems thicken. In late winter or early spring, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above healthy buds. Add mature compost in spring and feed moderately without excessive nitrogen. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting. Check container moisture more often, shelter the pot from strong wind and protect it from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. After the first bloom, maintain even moisture to support repeat flowering rather than shortening fresh stems severely. Beside a wall, position the crown away from the foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. After windy weather, redirect loose shoots before they break. Leave several feathery seed heads in fall, then stop feeding so stems can mature before cold weather. Remove fallen diseased leaves, inspect drainage after prolonged rain and never leave a container standing in water. Resume spring watering gradually as buds swell, and protect tender shoots from severe late frost and slug damage.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to alkaline
Minimum temperature
-34 °C (-29 °F)
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 Diana’s Delight™. Loam, clay, sand or chalk-based soil can work when excess water drains effectively. Mature compost improves moisture retention without leaving the crown waterlogged. Avoid sites where winter water collects, and keep the root zone cool during summer. Beside a wall, position the crown far enough from the foundation for rainfall to reach the roots instead of disappearing beneath an overhang.
Fertilization
In spring, add mature compost or apply a balanced fertilizer according to label directions. A second light feeding after the first flush can support Diana’s Delight™ 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. In containers, use smaller applications when needed because nutrients leach more quickly with frequent watering.
Moisture
Moist soil without standing water
Seasonal care
In late winter or early spring, cut every Diana’s Delight™ stem 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 debris, inspect the support and replace worn ties before growth resumes. In spring, add mature compost and renew light mulch without covering the crown. Fan out new shoots while they remain flexible. Water deeply whenever the surface dries, especially in containers. Moderate balanced feeding supports flowering, whereas excessive nitrogen mainly produces foliage. After the first flush, keep soil consistently moist to encourage repeat bloom. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting. Stop feeding in fall and leave several feathery seed heads for texture. In cold regions, insulate containers and prevent winter water from collecting around the 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 protect tender shoots from slugs and severe late frost. Container plants may warm and begin growth earlier than garden plants, so continue monitoring exposed stems during rapid temperature changes. Rotate the pot occasionally for balanced light and confirm that drainage remains open after every extended wet period.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 50 cm (20 in) deep and wide
Diana’s Delight™ is especially well suited to containers because it remains 90 to 120 cm tall. Use a frost-resistant pot at least 50 cm deep and wide with several drainage holes. Install a stable obelisk before planting, then fill the container with rich potting mix that holds moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown slightly deeper than it grew in the production pot. Water slowly until excess drains freely, then check moisture daily during hot weather. A thin mulch layer limits evaporation without trapping water against stems. Feed moderately in spring and after the first 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 and confirm that the support remains stable before new shoots lengthen. Rotate the pot periodically so all shoots receive balanced light. Never leave the container standing in a water-filled saucer, and check that drainage holes remain open after prolonged rain. During summer, water preferably in the morning and direct moisture toward the potting mix rather than foliage. A thin layer of compost in spring renews organic matter without reducing watering space. Loosen ties that begin marking stems, and remove any suddenly wilted shoot promptly with disinfected tools. Shelter large flowers from severe wind, and keep the crown visible so new spring growth can be monitored easily.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft) for the compact marketed form
Width / spread
Approximately 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 in)
Flower color
Violet when opening, maturing to blue
Foliage color
Vibrant green, deciduous
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate to fast
Growth habit
Compact, dense and bushy climber
Fragrance
Not fragrant
Bloom period
Diana’s Delight™ produces large flat flowers approximately 15 cm across, usually made of six sepals. Blooms open rich violet with purple tones, then gradually mature to blue around cream stamens. The first wave appears from May through July on older stems. Another develops from August into September on current-season growth. Consistent moisture and suitable pruning support both flowering periods across the compact framework.
Fruiting
Achenes with decorative feathery styles late in the season
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Diana’s Delight™ with white or pale-pink roses, coral bells, silver artemisias or smaller variegated shrubs. Grey, cream and dark-green tones emphasize violet flowers as they mature blue. Low perennials can shade the soil lightly without invading the crown. Keep clear space around the base for watering, air circulation and pruning. Avoid vigorous plants or aggressive roots that could reduce available moisture or hide emerging clematis shoots in spring. Choose companions with similar light and moisture needs for a balanced planting.
Plants to avoid
Avoid highly invasive plants or aggressive roots immediately around the crowns
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How should Diana’s Delight clematis be pruned?
For Raymond Evison’s simple method, cut every Diana’s Delight™ stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level in late winter or early spring, just above healthy buds. This short pruning renews the compact habit and encourages flowers near the base. Another option is Group 2 pruning: remove dead or weak stems, then shorten the others to vigorous buds so more older wood remains for the earliest flowers. Use clean pruners, wear gloves and collect debris because clematis sap may irritate skin. Inspect the support afterward, replace worn ties and spread fresh shoots loosely before they become intertwined during rapid spring growth.
Why do Diana’s Delight clematis flowers change colour?
Large flowers approximately 15 cm across open in rich violet and purple tones, then gradually become bluer as they mature. Each bloom usually has six elliptical sepals with gently wavy edges and pointed tips around cream stamens that form a starry centre. This natural transition allows several shades to appear on the same free-flowering plant. Light, temperature and flower age can influence the colour seen. Fan young stems across the support so blooms do not overlap excessively. A grey support, silver foliage or neighbouring white flowers highlights both the violet colour of younger blooms and the blue tones of mature flowers beside patios, entrances and frequently used garden paths.
Does Diana’s Delight clematis suit containers?
Yes. Diana’s Delight™ suits a large frost-resistant container at least 45 to 50 cm deep and wide, fitted with several drainage holes and a stable obelisk. Its usual height of 90 to 120 cm in the compact form creates a strong vertical display without becoming imposing on a terrace. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface, then water until excess drains freely. Check moisture daily during hot weather. In winter, shelter the pot from wind, insulate its sides and raise it to prevent standing water and repeated freeze-thaw cycles around the roots.
What site suits Diana’s Delight clematis?
Choose full sun or partial shade; Diana’s Delight™ accepts any aspect when it receives enough light to flower. Soil should be fertile, organic-rich, moisture-retentive yet well drained. Position the crown 30 to 60 cm away from a foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. Light mulch, flat stones or a low companion keeps the root zone cool without covering the crown. Install a trellis, obelisk or smaller arch before planting and preserve easy access to the base for watering, inspection and annual pruning. A sheltered position protects large flowers from severe gusts, while good air circulation helps foliage dry after rain and makes routine inspection easier throughout both flowering periods.
Is Diana’s Delight clematis toxic?
Yes. Like other clematis, Diana’s Delight™ 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 plant away from young children and pets that chew garden 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.
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. The specific wildlife value of Diana’s Delight™ may vary by region and the availability of other flowers. It is therefore presented as useful to pollinating insects without promising special attraction for butterflies or hummingbirds. Avoid spraying open flowers when pollinators are active.