Introducing their first Clematis from their 2014 breeding programme in 2023, during the RHS Chelsea, the Raymond Evison Clematis breeding programme is now really taking off. This year, three new varieties will be added bringing their assortment to 6 clematis varieties. The varieties are bred and propagated in the Guernsey Clematis Nursery, and the young plants are shipped all over the world. In this article, International Sales & Marketing Manager Andy Jeanes tells us more about the successes so far, the novelties and breeder Raymond Evison's work to continue exploring and breeding new varieties.
Andy Jeanes at the IPM Essen 2025 next to Guernsey Flute EviGsy153 (PBR)
Guernsey Flute – a hit
When looking at the varieties introduced so far, Clematis Guernsey Flute™ EviGsy153(PBR) is one that is standing out. It was launched last year, and according to Jeanes, it has been a "phenomenal hit with growers, retailers and most importantly, the end consumers, as testament to our breeding and development team in Guernsey." Guernsey Flute is a robust white long flowering variety and as a saleable plant can flower for about 8 weeks.
Clematis Guernsey Flute™ EviGsy153(PBR)
What's new?
So, what's new? Jeanes: "We will have three new varieties, that will be officially launched to the public at the RHS Chelsea Flower show, taking place from May 20-24, where we have already gained 34 Gold Medals."
Clematis Bridgewater™ EviGsy155(PBR)
The first one is Clematis Bridgewater™ EviGsy155(PBR), which is a clematis with a soft pink, star-shaped bloom, with complementary chocolate-brown anthers (12-14cm) that cover the plant from May to July and again in September. It flowers down the stems giving excellent flower coverage over the fully height of the plant. "A very full, bushy plant, with a height of 90-120cm." It was selected by Sue Biggs CBE, the former Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society to commemorate the RHS's fifth public display garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater, in the 154-acre site of former Worsley New Hall Estate in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. "You will find of plant of Bridgewater planted at each of the Royal Horticultural Society public display gardens."
Clematis Baroness Fookes™ EviGsy156(PBR)
Next up is Clematis Baroness Fookes™ EviGsy156(PBR). "We are pleased to release this captivating large-flowered clematis, in honour of Janet Evelyn Fookes, Baroness Fookes DBE DL, who in 2023 was one of the first people to be awarded the new Royal Horticultural Society award, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour, presented by His Majesty King Charles III, for all the exceptional work she has done towards supporting British Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping and assisting with parliamentary debates in the House of Lords." With many blooms from May through to July and again in late summer, via its extremely free-flowering nature and successional sets of flower buds. The blooms are purple/blue with a darker purple bar, light-brown anthers and measure 12-14cm. Dense foliage of mid to deep green, sets a perfect backdrop for these delightful ruffled-edged blooms. Overall height is 90-120cm.
Clematis Elpis™ EviGsy154(PBR)
And last but not least Clematis Elpis™ EviGsy154(PBR), a clematis with a rounded shaped, deep rich red flower (10-12cm across) and with contrasting yellow anthers. It flowers freely from May through to July, with reliable repeat flowering into September with blooms that hold the colour very well with little or no fading. On top of that, it has a compact habit and height of 90-120cm. According to Jeanes, the breakthrough with Elpis, is not just the plentiful wonderful blooms but the vibrant, strong, green foliage, which is the perfect backdrop for the rich red blooms. One of the best foliaged red clematis. And why the name Elpis? "We have named this clematis in association with two amazing charities, MUG (Male Uprising Guernsey), whose aim is to increase awareness of male cancers and to help those who are affected by prostate, bowel and testicular cancer on the island of Guernsey, and The Prostate Cancer Research charity, to help raise awareness of the diseases and the importance of this research to deliver breakthrough medicines and treatments to achieve a world where people are free from the impact of prostate cancer. And 'Elpis' is the Greek Goddess or spirit of hope and was depicted as a young woman, carrying flowers."
As with all the current EviGsy releases, the modern clematis in the Raymond Evison Clematis range flower readily and will yield good results using relatively simple pruning techniques, explains Jeanes. In late winter/early Spring , gardeners just have to reduce all stems down to 6" (15cm) of soil level."
Raymond Evison at Plantarium|Groen Direkt 2023
Breeding continues
For over six decades, Raymond Evison has been dedicated to searching for, breeding, and developing clematis plants. For over 40 years, he has cultivated young clematis plants on the island of Guernsey. In 2014, he launched his own clematis breeding program, and almost a decade later, the first varieties were introduced. The varieties are bred and propagated in his Guernsey Clematis Nursery, and the young plants are shipped all over the world. In this article more on the nursery, the breeding, and the clematis market. And the range continues to expand. The collection will keep growing as Raymond embarks on another journey to China to collaborate on a joint breeding program with the Beijing Florascape Company. "A fabulous partnership with some very exciting genetics for future generations of our clematis."
For more information:
Andy Jeanes
Raymond J. Evison Ltd.
Email [email protected]
www.guernsey-clematis.com
www.raymondevisonclematis.com