On Tuesday 28th October Raymond, once again, visited the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust in Cape Town South Africa, 5 years after his initial visit. This time, Raymond was here to officially launch our third clematis in our celebrated “Hope” series, Clematis Ithemba EviGsy157. This brand-new cultivar, named after the Zulu word for “hope” was inspired by Raymond’s visit to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in 2020, where he witnessed, the remarkable care being provided to young patients and their families.
Clematis Ithemba is a compact, versatile ornamental climber that boasts delicate white blooms brushed with soft pink and accented by striking red filaments. Flowering abundantly in late spring and late summer, creating a full display along its stems, the plant is not only a stunning addition to any garden but also a symbol of hope for the children at the Hospital.
True to its name, Clematis Ithemba will serve as a beacon of hope, with raising awareness of the essential work the Children’s Hospital Trust does which will help to raise funds to support vital projects at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, which treats over 250,000 children each year from South Africa and beyond.
Raymond Evison Says ‘We are truly delighted to name the new clematis, Clematis Ithemba, and hope that it brings great awareness to the importance and amazing work of the Red Cross Children’s in Cape Town. This bright cheerfully coloured clematis will be sold firstly in South Africa this year and when it is launched at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show it will become available throughout the world. We hope that it will help raise much needed funds for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust and give people throughout the world great enjoyment.’
We very much welcome donations to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust and this can be done via the details below:
UK availability in spring 2026
View variety page here Ithemba™ New For 2026 – Raymond Evison Clematis