Clematis heracleifolia - 5 Seed Pack - Shrub Fragrant Cut Flowers - Combined Global Shipping - New

Clematis is a genus of about 300 species within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae and is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing vines and herbaceous perennials. Only four species occur in southern Africa. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as Traveller’s Joy or Old Man's Beard. Our indigenous Clematis and Clematopsis are much in demand in Europe. Clematis species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. The most important requirement for successful cultivation is a well-drained, humus-rich, permanently cool soil with good water retention.

The plants like to climb up to the sun with their roots in the shade. Prune old twiggy growth in spring and propagate the species from seeds sown in spring. Clematis heracleifolia commonly known as Bush Clematis is related to the climbing varieties, forming a bushy, upright plant suited to growing in the border. This selection bears interesting clusters of fragrant rich violet-blue flowers, a little like a hyacinth, starting in mid-summer. Fluffy seed heads usually appear in late autumn. Likes to clamber over a nearby shrub, or can be staked. They make excellent cut flowers. In spring, this should be pruned back to about three inches, leaving a woody base for new growth to start from. May be divided in spring, but plants resent being disturbed.