Clematis 'Doctor Ruppel'

Todays' the day ....................... to investigate

This gorgeous clematis was in the garden when we came here three years ago - and because it had a label attached to it, I knew that it was called 'Doctor Ruppel'.  But that's not enough for me - in fact, it's like a red rag to a bull.  Because it's my blip today, I had to find out who 'Doctor Ruppel' actually was?

So, in case you want to know too(?!), I can tell you that this clematis was introduced into the UK in 1975 by Jim Fisk, a plantsman who lived in Suffolk.  He had been sent a cutting by the actual Doctor Ruppel, another plantsman - who was Argentinian.  He was very impressed with it and thought that it might be popular.  He was right - and in fact it has since received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Doctor Ruppel  likes to be in a sunny spot - but not one that receives the hot afternoon sun.  If you treat him well, he will also reward you with a second lot of flowers at the end of the summer as well as now ....................