Clematis Colour Change

[ponkle]

Can anybody explain why my 5yr old Mrs Cholmondeley blueish/lavender clematis
has changed to a pale cream colour, with a tinge of pale green?
Thanks in anticipation

[Chipchopper]

I'm just wondering if the area has become lighter due to pruning/clearing ?
They do prefer dappled shade, idealy.....just a thought.

[ponkle]

No,just the same.growing up an obelisk in the border facing south

[ponkle]

Should have also said entwined with climbing rose

[emeritus]

If it's a grafted clematis it could be reverting to the parent plant ?

[Prudie]

Is it normally out at this time? Only ask because I have a Guernsey Cream which usually doesn't flower until at least July with large white blooms but it's come out now but all the flowers are quite green with a blush of pink, smaller and less soft than usual. I was wondering if it's the mild winter that's messed it up?

[ladybirder]

Happens quite a lot it seems. Have a look here. I buy the colourant stuff to sprinkle around mine to keep it blue.
http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html

[ponkle]

Thank you all for your replies.
I think I have found the answer on rhs.org.uk/advice site.

It looks as the cold spring might have something to do with it.
I will have to wait and see if future flowers are affected.

[Clanad]

Another forum has this interesting note:

Brian Collingwood, who is very active in the British Clematis Society, and communicates with clematis hybridizers all over the world offers:

"...No, never thought that was possible (clematis changing color), sounds like two plants planted together to me. Sometime when planting small plants, it is easy to plant two with roots and stems mingled together , especially if you grow from cuttings. I've done it myself.
That's all I can think of right now but if any other info comes to hand please let me know?
best regards
Brian

[Palustris]

Definitely down to lack of light and heat. The later flowers should be the proper colour. Well known happening despite the writing of Brian Collingwood. Mentioned in all the books on Clematis.

[ponkle]

For all of you that replied,Mrs Cholmondeley has now returned to her correct colour.