Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’: A Compact Star of the Garden
Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™‘ offers elegance, resilience, and a message of kindness all in one compact flowering vine. Bred by renowned clematis expert Raymond J. Evison as part of the Boulevard® Series, this cultivar combines brilliant floral display with a bushy, manageable habit ideal for containers, patios, and smaller gardens. Its name honors volunteers from the Samaritans support organization, each lovingly referred to as “Samaritan Jo,” making this clematis not only a showpiece but also a symbol of empathy and hope.
A Shimmering Display of Silvery Petals
What makes Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’ so captivating is its intricate, star-shaped bloom. The flowers feature layered, pointed petals in a silvery-white hue delicately edged with purple. At the center, citron-tipped anthers rise above purple filaments, creating vivid contrast. These luminous blooms appear in two flushes—first in early summer (June to July), and again in early fall (September)—offering a long, rewarding display.
The plant grows to a modest height of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters), making it ideal for smaller garden settings. Unlike sprawling climbers, this variety maintains a neat, upright habit and can even be grown as a meandering groundcover or allowed to drape naturally over fences and through shrubs.
Botanical Background and Breeding of ‘Samaritan Jo™’
Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’, registered as Clematis ‘Evipo075’, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes other garden favorites like anemones and columbines. Members of this family are known for their striking flowers and climbing tendencies. The Boulevard® Series, developed on the island of Guernsey by Raymond Evison, is specially bred for high floral output, compact size, and ease of maintenance. These varieties are particularly suitable for container culture and urban gardens, where space and sunlight may be limited.
How to Grow Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™‘
Light
This clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the top of the plant should receive at least 6 hours of sun per day, while the roots remain cool and shaded. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent stress and prolong blooms.
Soil
Plant Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’ in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5). You can amend acidic soil with lime to create a more favorable growing environment. Adding compost at planting time helps retain moisture and improves fertility.
Watering
Water Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’ deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells and the first growing season. The soil should remain evenly moist but never soggy. Clematis plants do not tolerate prolonged drought or waterlogging.
Fertilization
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) in early spring as buds emerge. Afterward, alternate with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks through the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Though sometimes listed as Type 2 or 3, Clematis ‘Samaritan Jo™’ responds best to pruning as a Group 2 clematis. In early spring, remove dead or damaged stems, cutting back just above a healthy set of swelling buds. After the first bloom, a light trim can help encourage a second flush in autumn. If you prefer a simpler approach, Group 3 pruning also works: cut all stems back to 12 inches (30 cm) from the ground in early spring.
Mulching and Root Protection
Keep the roots cool by mulching heavily around the base of the plant with compost, bark chips, or leaf mold. Alternatively, plant low-growing perennials or groundcovers nearby to act as a living mulch.
Support Structures
Provide a trellis, arbor, obelisk, or decorative frame to support this twining vine. Its leaf petioles will wrap around slender supports. Avoid overly thick poles, as clematis cannot grasp large surfaces easily.
Pests and Problems
Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’ is generally disease-resistant but may occasionally suffer from:
- Clematis wilt: A fungal disease causing sudden blackening of stems and collapse. Prune out affected parts to healthy tissue and dispose of debris.
- Slugs and snails: These pests may feed on young shoots.
- Aphids and spider mites: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
Good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent most issues.
Design Uses for Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™‘
Thanks to its compact size and striking blooms, ‘Samaritan Jo™’ is ideal for:
- Container planting on patios and balconies.
- Vertical accents on small trellises or obelisks.
- Weaving through shrubs like Rosa, Hydrangea, or Buddleja for a naturalistic look.
- Mixed perennial borders, especially when paired with complementary colors such as soft pinks, blues, or whites.
- Shady walls or fences, provided the top of the plant receives sufficient sun.
Pair it with shallow-rooted companions like daylilies (Hemerocallis), Japanese maples (Acer), or sedums to shade its roots and boost the visual appeal.
Final Thoughts on ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™‘
Elegant, generous, and deeply meaningful in name, Clematis ‘Boulevard® Samaritan Jo™’ offers a refreshing blend of practicality and beauty. It rewards both new and experienced gardeners with a long blooming period, manageable growth, and adaptable care requirements. Whether you’re planting it in a pot on the porch or allowing it to mingle through your shrubs, this Boulevard® series gem will shine brightly and faithfully, just like the volunteers it honors.
