Clematis Gold - C. Samaritan Jo

Samaritan Jo is the second flower to feature in our miniature sheet series Clematis Gold, which has been beautifully depicted by botanical artist Gillian Barlow. Launched in 2021, Clematis Gold depicts clematis cultivated by world-renowned nurseryman and Guernsey resident, Raymond Evison OBE. Each clematis in the series has been part of the Gold Medal winning displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s most prestigious horticultural event.

Bred in Raymond Evison’s nursery in Guernsey, Clematis Samaritan Jo was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 by Raymond and Felicity Varah Harding, daughter of The Reverend Chad Varah CH CBE, who in 1953 founded the Samaritans charity. The launch of Samaritan Jo marked the 50th anniversary of the Samaritans in Guernsey, and the fabulous work and support offered by the organisation.

The name Samaritan Jo recognises that all volunteers who work for the organisation sign themselves off under this name. Raymond Evison says: - “Clematis Samaritan Jo has the most delightfully coloured flowers that have a minimum of six pointed sepals, which are flushed a mauve pink. Each sepal has a pink and purple edge, which gives the flower a distinct appearance. The centre of the flower is also strikingly different having golden yellow anthers and purple filaments.”