Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Plant Identification => Plant Identification Questions and Answers => Topic started by: Paul Cumbleton on January 31, 2021, 05:07:34 PM

Title: Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on January 31, 2021, 05:07:34 PM

We inherited this Clematis with the garden and found two labels nearby, one for Clematis 'Mrs N Thompson' and one for Clematis 'Star of India'. Looking at pictures on the Internet, these two are very similar in appearance. Can anyone say for certain which one this is please? They are in different pruning groups, so would be useful to know.

Thanks
Paul

Title: Re: Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?
Post by: ArnoldT on January 31, 2021, 06:31:50 PM

Hi Paul

Looking at Mary Toomey's and Everett Leed's book your Clematis looks like neither.

In Raymond J. Evison's book the Mrs. N. Thompson does have the central petal stripping that is absent in Star of India.

If I had to bet on it it would be Mrs. N. Thompson.  Pruning Group 2 Raised by Walter Pennell of Pennell and Sons.

Star of India pruning group 3 Raised by Thomas Cripps and Son of Turnbridge Wells, England The cultivar by this name in Japan is believed to be different from the Star of India that is grown and sold elsewhere. introduced 1867

Title: Re: Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?
Post by: Wim Snoeijer on January 31, 2021, 06:52:16 PM

Paul, the Clematis is 'Mrs N. Thompson' = flower upright and flower bud upright. Clematis 'Star of India' = flower nodding and flower bud nodding. Wim

Title: Re: Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?
Post by: Maggi Young on January 31, 2021, 09:39:32 PM

Great to have your expertise  here, Wim!


Just  for  temptation .....

https://www.thorncroftclematis.co.uk/quick-selection-lists/wim-snoeijer-collection.html?flower_size=71&flowering_months=21

Title: Re: Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on January 31, 2021, 09:51:28 PM

Thank you Wim & Arnold for your rapid and helpful replies. Agreeing with you Maggie, it's good that we have such expertise offered in the forum. Now I know how to prune this one!

Thanks again
Paul