Clematis Frances Rivis (Atragene Group)

One of the first clematis to bloom in the spring, Clematis 'Francis Rivis' is a deciduous climber with masses of small, nodding, bell-shaped, purple-blue flowers adorned with prominent cream staminodes and stamens. Slightly twisted, the 4 tapering sepals, 2 in. long (5 cm), unfurl to gradually rise from bell to flat, revealing the white inner skirt. Blooming from mid to late spring, and occasionally in late summer, the flowers contrast attractively with the narrow, serrated leaves. They are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. A robust and reliable spring flowering clematis, which copes well in exposed positions and looks ravishing cascading over a pergola, wall or garden fence. Lovely when sprawling through large shrubs such as rhododendrons or decorating evergreen hedges.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their 'heads in the sun and their feet in the shade'. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base. 
• Hardy, this clematis can quickly grow up to 6-8 ft. long (180-240 cm).
• This Clematis belongs to the first group of Clematis – a group including Early-flowering clematis which flower on shoots produced in the previous summer: No regular pruning required. Just clean them up after flowering.
• Native to Asia
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.