Wow! the color and habit of Clematis hybrid ‘Minister’ is superb, with it’s hues of plum red and violet purple on a very large flower., stunning! Blooming continuously and very prolifically from late spring to late summer. Excellent for container growing and small gardens, with its compact growth habit, meeting the current trends.
The Kivistik’s have resolved the frustrations of the past for the clematis gardeners! Clematis Minister impressed the judges for British Clematis Society Trials
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!
Colour: violet blue/ plum reddish bar
Blooming Season: early June through September
Prune: group 3
Zone: 3-9
Mature Size: flower size 15 -20cm diameter (8″) /vine height 180 cm W 80cm (4-6 ft)
Mailorder: http://clematis.com/clematis-catalog/varieties/minister/
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. Disease and insect resistance as well.
Grower
Roseville Farms L.C. (propagator)