Clematis 'Ibi'

Clematis of the Month for January 2024

Described by Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi'©Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi'

Clematis 'Ibi' is an early large-flowered white clematis. It was an unexpected gift in 2018 to acknowledge a favor. It was named for the Japanese river of that name near the Sugimoto nursery where the plant was bred. Kozo and Mikiko Sugimoto have introduced a number of lovely clematis including C. 'Ibi' which was introduced in 1989. Another one of theirs, perhaps more well-known, is C. 'Utopia'.

Since my small garden already had several large flowered white clematis, I was unsure of where to place it to avoid conflict. I decided that it could share an obelisk with another Japanese hybrid, C. 'Hakuōkan', whose creamy center would hopefully accent its new partner. The blues and violets of Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) and Nepeta (Catmint) nearby proved to be welcome companions also.

Having planted C. 'Ibi' in the fall, it surpassed my expectations the following spring by growing strongly and producing several delightful flowers. Every year thereafter, the flowers typically open wide and flat, slightly overlaying each other to form a shimmering bouquet. I say "shimmering" because the white sepals are infused with subtle tints of pink and blue. This causes their satiny surface to have a jewel–like opalescent quality. So, while, that satiny sheen is very distinctive, the delicate coloration allows C. 'Ibi' to blend well with other plants, particularly those that reflect its soft tints. C. 'Ibi's central boss of reddish-violet tipped anthers provides further painterly possibilities. I hope my photos give it justice.
C. 'Ibi' and other flowers©Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi' and other flowers

C. 'Ibi' blooming profusely'©Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi' blooming profusely'

C. 'Ibi' showing the colourful central boss'©Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi' showing the colourful central boss'

The vine blooms early in the season which for me in zone 5/6 is mid-June. If cut back halfway after blooming, and encouraged with a bit of fertilizer soaked in, it flowers nicely again by late summer. The flowers are not as large at that time but still hold forth that elusive satin sheen. It grows to a height of about 1.5 meters (5-6') and the flowers can measure 10-15 cm. It seems to grow well both in the ground and in containers. Full sun suits it but a little dappled shade encourages the pink and blue to become more noticeable.

There is not much information about C. 'Ibi' on the web. The I.Cl.S visited Japan and the Sugimotos in 2008 on one of their annual tours of gardens and clematis sites. Perhaps members saw the plant at that time although it was not mentioned in the chronicles of that trip. Various nurseries in the USA and abroad sell it.

It is worth looking for.

C. 'Ibi' second flowering©Barbara Evans

C. 'Ibi' second flowering


Barbara Evans Barbara Evans



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