Compact deep-purple clematis for patios

Fleuri clematis

Clematis ‘Evipo042’

Fleuri™ is a compact clematis with very large flowers approximately 17 cm across. Seven sepals open dark purplish red before maturing to strong purple through the centre and darker purple along the margins. Dark greyish-purple anthers reinforce the bloom’s depth. The first flowering period runs from May through July, followed by a second wave from August into September. With a usual height of 90 to 120 cm, this climber suits patios, smaller gardens, obelisks and large containers. Stable support, fertile moisture-retentive soil and annual pruning to approximately 15 cm maintain a dense manageable habit that stays easy to appreciate from nearby seating areas.
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Exposure
Any aspect; excellent in full sun
Hardiness
Zone 4 to 9

Discover the plant

Common nameFleuri clematis
FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusClematis
SpeciesGarden hybrids
CultivarEvipo042 (Fleuri)
TypePerennial climbing plants
Botanical nameClematis ‘Evipo042’

Fleuri™ Clematis (Clematis ‘Evipo042’) is a compact climber bred by Raymond Evison and launched at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. Its very large flowers measure approximately 17 cm and have a broadly bell-shaped form, with a slightly convex base and an upper portion flattened backward. Seven sepals open dark purplish red, then mature to strong purple through the centre and darker purple along the margins. Purple-pink filaments surround dark greyish-purple anthers. This intense colour stands out against deciduous olive-green foliage and remains especially rich in sunny light, creating strong contrast on a smaller garden structure.

Fleuri generally reaches 90 to 120 cm tall and spreads approximately 60 to 90 cm. Its compact size suits a large container fitted with an obelisk, a smaller trellis or the front of a border. It accepts different aspects and performs especially well in full sun when soil remains cool; light shade is also suitable. Plant in fertile, organic-rich, 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 new stems lengthen through warm spring weather.

The first flowering period runs from early May through July on older stems, followed by fresh flowers from August into September on current-season growth. In late winter or early spring, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level to renew the compact framework and encourage flowers close to the base. Water deeply whenever the soil surface begins to dry, especially in containers, and feed moderately in spring. Like every clematis, Fleuri is toxic when eaten and its sap may irritate sensitive skin; wear gloves during pruning and collect all cut material after seasonal maintenance.

Fleuri™ Clematis (<em>Clematis</em> ‘Evipo042’)

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

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 Fleuri™. 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 Fleuri™ 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 Fleuri™ 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
Fleuri™ 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.
Fleuri™ Clematis (Clematis ‘Evipo042’)

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in)

Flower color

Deep purple with purplish-red tones

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

Fleuri™ produces very large, broadly bell-shaped flowers approximately 17 cm across that face upward or outward. Seven sepals develop from dark purplish red to a strong purple centre and dark-purple margins around dark greyish-purple anthers. The first wave appears from May through July on older stems, followed by a second from August into September on current-season growth. across the compact support.

Fruiting

Achenes with decorative feathery styles late in the season
Fleuri™ Clematis (Clematis ‘Evipo042’)

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Pair Fleuri™ with white or pale-pink roses, coral bells, silver artemisias or smaller gold-variegated shrubs. Pale foliage brings out the deep purple and purplish-red tones of the large flowers. Low grey-leaved annuals can shade container soil lightly. Keep clear space around the crown 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. Pale companions keep the contrast clear.

Plants to avoid

Avoid highly invasive plants or aggressive roots immediately around the crowns

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How should Fleuri clematis be pruned?
In late winter or early spring, before active growth resumes, cut every Fleuri™ 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 smaller trellis or obelisk afterward and replace worn ties. When new stems appear, spread them in a fan and tie them loosely before they intertwine. Add light mulch without covering the crown, then resume consistent watering as growth accelerates and flowering shoots begin covering the support.
What colour and form are Fleuri clematis flowers?
Fleuri™ produces very large flowers approximately 17 cm across that face upward or outward. Their broadly bell-shaped form has a convex base and an upper portion flattened backward. Seven sepals open dark purplish red, then mature to strong purple through the centre and darker purple along the margins. Purple-pink filaments and dark greyish-purple anthers deepen the centre further. Colour appears especially rich in full sun. Fan young stems across the support so every large bloom has enough space. A pale support, silver foliage or neighbouring white flowers highlights every colour transition and keeps the dramatic corollas easy to appreciate from nearby seating and garden paths.
Does Fleuri clematis suit containers?
Yes. Fleuri™ suits a large frost-resistant container at least 50 cm deep and wide, fitted with several drainage holes and a stable obelisk. Its usual height of 90 to 120 cm creates a strong vertical display without becoming imposing on a terrace. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown slightly deeper than it grew in the production pot, then water until excess drains freely. Check moisture daily during hot weather, especially in full sun. 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 Fleuri clematis?
Fleuri™ accepts different aspects and looks especially dramatic in full sun, which enriches its deep-purple colour. Soil must still remain cool, fertile, organic-rich, moisture-retentive yet well drained. Light shade is also suitable, especially in a very hot position. Set the crown 30 to 60 cm away from a foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. Light mulch 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 the exceptionally large flowers from severe gusts while good air circulation helps foliage dry after rain.
Is Fleuri clematis toxic?
Yes. Like other clematis, Fleuri™ 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 Fleuri™ 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.