Clematis macropetala 'Blue Bird'

Common Name: Clematis

A small-flowered variety, 2"-3" in diameter

Pale purple-blue, semi-double flowers are broadly bell-shaped and nodding

Blooms from April-June with some repeat blooming through summer

Prefers a sheltered site and can easily tolerate partial shade

Good in containers, for growing over low walls and fences, or as a groundcover

A member of:
Group 1—Early flowering cultivars
These varieties flower in the spring, only on growth produced the previous season. They generally do not need to be pruned at all, but if you feel it is necessary to keep them in bounds, trim them back immediately after they are finished blooming (within one month). Old, woody plants can be pruned very hard at this same time, cutting them back to 1-2 feet. This will remove the old, non-flowering growth. It may take a season or two for it to start flowering again.

Height:

8.0-12.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Mid Spring Late Spring Early Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Climbing Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Ground Cover Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Clematis can be grown in full sun or light shade, but its base and roots must be completely shaded. You may need to plant a small shrub or large perennial directly in front of its rootball to keep it cool and shaded. A thick layer of mulch will also help to keep the soil moist. This vine prefers to be grown in moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Adding lime to the soil will help to provide these conditions.

When planting clematis, it is important to plant it 3" deeper than it was in the original pot. Bury the first set of entire leaves to encourage the production of strong shoots from below soil level and to discourage clematis wilt.

Characteristics