Clematis macropetala
'Blue Bird'

Photo courtesy of James Steakley

Prized for its beauty and low-fuss toughness, vigorous ‘Blue Bird’ isn’t fazed by extreme heat, cold, humidity or seaside conditions. Masses of lightly scented lantern-like nodding 3” periwinkle-blue semi-double flowers with contrasting cream stamens adorn the pretty foliage from late Spring to mid-Summer - a sight to behold! It’s known to repeat bloom, too, and the large fluffy seed heads add later interest and are neat in dried arrangements. And here’s 2 more good things: it tolerates shade and blooms on old wood - so this Group 1 Clematis needs little to no pruning beyond an annual removal of any dead growth. Can be cut back to 6” from the base after flowering to refresh or reshape - this should only be done every 3 years at most. To 12’ tall. A twiner, so weave onto a fence or arbor at the start and provide some shade for the roots. Fertile, compost-rich soil. Deciduous.