A New Clematis Cultivar, Ziqidonglai

The genus Clematis, a member of the Ranunculaceae family, comprises ∼300 species of perennial climbing plants distributed worldwide (Wu and Raven 2001). Clematis florida Thunb., widely admired for its variation in flower form, vibrant coloration, prolonged flowering period, and excellent climbing habit, is often regarded as the “queen of vines” (Liu et al. 2018). China represents a significant center of diversity for the genus, hosting over 140 species within its borders (Zhang and Jiang 2007). Beyond their horticultural appeal, these plants are also valued for their ecological functions and medicinal properties (Nyu 2024). Despite this rich native germplasm, the international market is currently dominated by cultivars developed abroad. Recent breeding work, such as the introduction of the new cultivar ‘Violet Lipstick’ (Liu et al. 2024), demonstrates progress, but it also points to the need for further enrichment of breeding resources. The new cultivar Ziqidonglai was developed from a cross between ‘Utopia’ (maternal parent) and ‘Ada Sari’ (paternal parent). It is distinguished by its purple, single flowers. This variety enriches the genetic diversity of clematis and provides a valuable new option for the horticultural market.