Photo: Jelitto
Clematis heracleifolia
Tube clematis
Clematis heracleifolia is a woody herbaceous sub-shrub native to east China and Korea and unlike most Clematis does not cling or climb.
In growth the plant forms dense clumps and will pop up between existing plants and shrubs making it superb for filling gaps.
The big, sturdy leaves grow on stalks that are stiff enough to hold themselves erect to a height of about 80cm.
The star-shaped, indigo blooms arrive in late summer with slender, reflexed petals and a lovely sweet fragrance.
Fluffy seed heads follow blooms. The root system is fine and quite delicate so will not thrive in heavy wet soil. It will actually be happier in lean soils with very free draining conditions.
All of the Heracleifolia Group require hard pruning each year but leave this until late spring when temperatures start to rise. They overwinter better with any old growth left intact.
Family
Plant type
Hardiness
Height
Spread
Foliage
Flower
Soil
Position
Ranunculaceae
Hardy perennial
H7
80cm
40cm
Deep green
Indigo
Well drained, lean
Sun, Partial shade, Cool roots
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