Clematis Mrs N Thompson or Star of India?

[Paul Cumbleton]

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

[ArnoldT]

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

[Wim Snoeijer]

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

[Maggi Young]

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

[Paul Cumbleton]

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