Ladies in waiting

This clematis (Clematis alpina ‘Frances Rivis’) is not as showy as ‘Constance’ and the flowers are smaller, but seen close up and isolation like this it is nevertheless very beautiful, and every flower at this time of year is a delight anyway. The flowers are described as ‘twisted’ and I suppose the petals do have a slight twist. I think this variety benefits from being cut back periodically (not always needed for ‘group 1’ clematis like this) as the older stems get very straggly and matted. The next clematis to flower will be the montanas and the buds are already lying in waiting; I inspect them daily in anticipation!