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 |