Blossoming Dedication: The Story of the ‘Queen’s Nurse’ Clematis

In the world of horticulture, few tributes are as vibrant or enduring as a namesake flower. For the Queen’s Nurses (QNs) of the Channel Islands, a new clematis-aptly named the ‘Queen’s Nurse’- represents nearly a decade of passion, persistence, and a unique partnership with one of the world’s most renowned growers.

The journey began in 2016 during an inter-island meetup in Guernsey. At the time, Nurses Patricia McDermott, Ellie Phillips, Alison Carney and Theresa Prince – four dedicated Queen’s Nurses – were brainstorming ways to promote their profession across the Channel Islands. The spark of an idea emerged: what if they could have a flower named in the Queen’s Nurses honour?

The nurses reached out to Raymond Evison CBE, a legendary clematis breeder based in Guernsey. While their initial letter was misplaced, their second attempt led to an invitation to Mr. Evison’s nursery. There, he set the quartet a formidable challenge: if they could successfully establish the National Garden Scheme (NGS) in Guernsey – a feat he had long championed – he would consider cultivating a clematis for them.

The challenge was significant for four community nurses who, by their own admission, “didn’t really know anything about gardens or gardening”. However, their nursing tenacity took over. They secured the Governor’s wife as Patron and began recruiting garden owners.

Progress was halted in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic saw the nurses redeployed to the front lines of the vaccination effort. Yet, out of this crisis came a breakthrough. When the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was cancelled, Mr. Evison found himself with 1,500 plants and nowhere to show them. He turned to the Queen’s Nurses to help organize a “mini Chelsea Flower Show” in Guernsey. The event was a triumph; as the island emerged from lockdown, residents queued for hours, selling out every plant and raising vital funds for nursing education.

This success revitalized the National Garden Scheme project. By 2022, the first gardens were officially open to the public. Over the last four years, the scheme has raised over £10,000. True to his word, Mr. Evison spent those years nurturing a special variety.

Two years ago, the nurses were invited to his nursery to select the final bloom from half a dozen potential candidates. Sworn to secrecy, they chose a variety that reflected the signature pink and purple hues of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. They sought a plant that was hardy, compact enough for patios or balconies, and capable of blooming twice a year – a fitting metaphor for the resilience of the nurses themselves.

Now, in 2026, the ‘Queen’s Nurse’ clematis is ready for its global debut. The four Queen’s Nurses – Patricia, Ellie, Alison, and Teresa – are incredibly excited to attend the official launch at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on 18th May. As ambassadors for the profession and representing the 28 Channel Islands Queen’s Nurses, they see the flower as a living legacy that will ensure the vital work of community nurses continues to bloom in gardens for years to come.

As Ellie said, ‘It’s a beautiful experience to be able to showcase nursing in such a public way and show people that this is the kind of people we are. We’re actually communicators. We’re ambassadors. We make things happen in communities. It’s become a really rewarding part of my professional role because so much of our work is hard and then you just get this little oasis of joy in the summer and it’s gorgeous.’

Further news and photos from the official Chelsea launch will be shared following the event on 18 May, along with full details on how you can purchase your own ‘Queen’s Nurse’ clematis.

Find out more about Raymond Evison CBE here.