Clematis scottii (Viorna Group)

Clematis scottii (Sugar Bowl Clematis) is a non-vining herbaceous perennial boasting masses of nodding, urn-shaped, dark violet-blue (rarely pink or white) flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm). Blooming from early spring to late summer, the blossoms hang from the top of naked flowering stems. They attract bees and bumblebees and are followed by ornamental, silky-fuzzy seedheads in late summer to fall, adding further interest. Sugar Bowl Clematis has a handsome blue-green, lacy foliage of compound leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm) with lanceolate to ovate leaflets. Slow to establish but very long-lived, this is a good choice for rock gardens, border fronts, native plant gardens, prairies, or meadows.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Thrives in rich, fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Some drought tolerance once established, but soils should not be allowed to fully dry out.
• 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.
• Native to South Dakota, Wyoming, western Nebraska, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.