Large, bright crimson red flowers, pinkish-grey on the outside. Dark brown anthers on pale violet filaments. Introduced into the U.K. by Jim Fisk in 1986.

Szczepan Marczynski, on his website, writes that the cultivar is "named after Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski (1901-1981). He was a great and just man whose life was an example to others. As the head of the Catholic Church in Poland for over 30 years, he sought to keep the Catholic Church independent from the communist authorities risking his own safety. In 1953 he was arrested and imprisoned for three years. He was undeterred in his defence of human dignity against the violation of the intellect and the heart. He called upon all to observe the basic principles of justice and freedom. He initiated the reconciliation between the Poles and the Germans after the atrocities of World War II. Through his actions and attitude he contributed to the election of Cardinal Wojty?a as the Pope [John Paul II], and to the political changes in the 80's in Poland. After his death, he was announced the Primate of the Millenary."

Group: Late large-flowered group
Approximate height: 2.5 - 3.0 metres
Flowering period(s): Jul Aug Sep
Aspect: Sun or semi-shade
Pruning: Light prune (Group 2)
Raised by: Stefan Franczak
Country of origin: Poland
Date raised: r1974 f1979 i1983
Parentage: Unknown
Other name(s): 'Cardinal Wyszynski'; CARDINAL WYSZYNSKI; Mis-spelling: ‘Kardinal Wyszinsky’

Further detail:

Flower diameter: (10-) 14-18 (-20)cm
Tepals: 5-8; 6-7cm long, 3.5-4cm wide, pointed, overlapping at base, margin wavy

Click here for the text of an IClS article about this clematis

People:  Click the name(s) for information about:

Brother Stefan Franczak
Jim Fisk