I have had a great deal of difficulty with Gipsy Queen. Two different plants, lots of wilting and sulky growing, though it's considered a beginner's clematis. I don't grow Honora, but for ease of growth and similar color scheme, I would try some of the purple viticellas instead of GQ. Try Warsaw Nike, Viola, Blue Belle, Etoile Violet or Polish Spirit. They are truly effortless.

Michael,

Thanks for your input. That's dissapointing to hear about Gipsy Queen - I had almost settled on her.

I do have Warsaw Nike (one of my absolute faves!!!) and Polish Spirit. I was hoping for something with a real reddish cast, but still purple. I'll check out the others you mentioned.

Just out of what is left of my curiosity about GQ, is the color really a lot more electric than WS? It appears that way from the photo, but I know clem colors don't always photograph very accurately.

There are always pros and cons for any clematis when you talk to different people. Last year I had the worst case of mildew on Viola that I have ever seen on any other clematis I have grown. The mildew affected not only the foliage but also the sepals on the flowers. It looked as if there was cotton on the flower petals--most disgusting thing I have ever seen. Luckily I haven't seen it since but this only goes to show you that any clematis can have problems in anyone's garden.