Clematis heracleifolia (Herbaceous Group)

Elegant and sweetly scented, Clematis heracleifolia is a deciduous sub-shrub with slightly downy stems and trifoliate leaves. This non-vining clematis bears a profusion of nodding, bell-shaped flowers for weeks in mid-summer to early fall. Borne in short, axillary clusters, the blossoms can vary from pale blue to blue-mauve. They are followed by ornamental, silky seedheads, which gleam in the sun and remain on the plant. This herbaceous clematis forms an attractive scrambling bush and sends up stems that are self-supporting. It is excellent in a patio container and is also very suitable in perennial borders, for mass planting and combined with other plants.

• Grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide.
• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. 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. 
• Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, earwigs or clematis slime flux.
• Cut down to ground level in fall or just before growth starts in spring.
• Propagate by division in spring.
• Clematis heracleifolia is native to central and northern China.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.