Clematis Luther Burbank (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

Noted for the sheer copiousness of its blooms, Clematis 'Luther Burbank' is a strong deciduous climber which produces an abundance of large, violet-purple, open star flowers, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), from mid-summer to fall. The attractive blooms are blessed with 6 rounded, wavy-edged sepals that nearly overlap at their base but draw apart and crimp downward as they expand. They make a lovely contrast to the prominent tuft of pale yellow stamens. As the blossoms mature, they fade toward blue and a pale track appears at the midribs. This clematis has a handsome foliage of fresh green leaves, often of an elongated heart shape. Compact, it is very hardy but also grows well in hot climates. An excellent choice for scrambling through small trees or covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and walls.

• Easy to grow and to cultivate, this clematis 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.
• This clematis can quickly grow up to 8-13 ft. long (240-390 cm).
• Deadhead after the first wave of blooms to promote new blooms.
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require 'hard pruning': simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.