Guernsey Post is delighted to announce the release of a third miniature sheet stamp in its Clematis Gold series, which features clematis grown by world renowned nurseryman and Guernsey grower, Raymond Evison CBE. Each clematis in the series, including the latest variety, Diana’s Delight, has been part of the Gold Medal winning displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s most prestigious horticultural event.

Bred as part of the Evison and Poulsen Breeding Programme in Raymond Evison’s Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd, Clematis Diana’s Delight was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2009. The clematis is named after Lady Rowland in recognition of her work with Raymond on several of his books on the genus clematis. A trained botanist, Lady Rowland is the wife of Sir Geoffrey Rowland, who was Bailiff of Guernsey between 2005-2012, a role which involves acting as chief judge and presiding officer of the States of Guernsey.

Raymond Evison says: – “Clematis Diana’s Delight is of a powdery mid blue, with a cream centre; the sepals have darker edges that become lighter towards the centre but then have a central slightly darker bar.

“Its seven to eight sepaled flowers have a creamy yellow centre, which contrasts well with the mid blue colouring of the sepals.  The flower shape is full and rounded, with each sepal fully overlapping its neighbour, each with a pointed tip.  The leaflets are rounded in shape and quite distinct with its free flowering habit.

“Diana’s Delight is perfect for the smaller garden, since it only grows to between three and four feet (90 to 120cm). It is free flowering and is repeat flowering from early summer to late summer and again in early autumn.

“Due to its dark pastel colour flowers, it blends perfectly with plants with variegated foliage, purple foliage or simply a pale green. If planted in full sun its flowers will mature quickly, so it is advisable to plant in semi-shade – or even full shade – as long as it receives four to five hours of good sunlight each day”.

Raymond advises: “Diana’s Delight is easy to grow, requires very little maintenance and pruning is very simple – just remove all top growth at the end of winter or early spring down to six inches (15cm ) above soil level.”

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: – “We are excited to launch the third stamp in our popular Clematis Gold series, which again has been beautifully depicted by botanical artist Gillian Barlow. We are delighted to be working with Raymond Evison on this stamp series, especially since this year marks the 40^th anniversary of the formation of The Guernsey Clematis Nursery and the International Clematis Society.”

The stamps and related products are available to order at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0) 1481 716486.