Baroness Fookes™ Clematis

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Baroness Fookes™ Clematis brings full-size, ruffled blooms to a vine that stays refreshingly compact. Clematis ‘EviGsy156’ grows just 3–4 feet tall and wide, yet produces 5-inch purple-blue flowers marked with a darker central bar and bright red anthers. The color is saturated and steady, even through repeat bloom. Developed through the Raymond Evison Guernsey breeding program, it was named to honor Janet Evelyn Fookes, recipient of the RHS Elizabeth Medal of Honour for her contributions to horticulture. 

Bloom begins in late spring, continues into early summer, and then returns in late summer with another flush. Buds form in succession, so the display never feels sparse. Dense green foliage frames the flowers cleanly and gives the plant substance even between bloom cycles. Its moderate size makes it practical for patios, front-of-border placement, and smaller vertical accents. It climbs neatly by leaf stems, keeping the overall look neat rather than sprawling.

Baroness Fookes™ Clematis Care

Plant in full sun to part shade, giving the blooms a bit of afternoon relief in hotter climates. Choose fertile, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and incorporate compost before planting. Set the crown a few inches below the soil surface to encourage strong basal shoots. Water thoroughly during establishment and maintain steady moisture through active growth, especially as buds form. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring, followed by one light balanced feeding in early summer if growth appears thin.

Baroness Fookes™ is a Group 3 clematis, so cut all stems back to 6–12 inches above ground in late winter or early spring. This hard pruning promotes vigorous new shoots and abundant flowering from the base upward.

Baroness Fookes™ Clematis Spacing

Space plants about 3 feet apart in landscape designs so each vine can fill out without crowding. In garden beds, let it climb through climbing roses for layered color, or position it behind coneflower and phlox for a structured, pollinator-friendly display. For container planting, select a pot at least 18 inches wide with a sturdy tripod or trellis installed at planting time. In patio containers, pair with geraniums at the base and add trailing verbena for extended color around the rim.

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by