Clematis 'Blue Dancer'
alpine clematis (group 1) (syn. Clematis alpina Blue Dancer)
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- Standard £5.95
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
An enchanting early spring bloomer, waltzing up trellises and fences with carefree elegance. This deciduous climber produces abundant nodding blooms from from April through May, each pale blue flower 5-8cm (2-3in) wide with a cream-yellow centre. The open bell-shaped flowers give way to fascinating fluffy seed heads as summer approaches, against serrated green leaves that provide a lovely backdrop. Much loved by pollinators for its pollen and nectar, 'Blue Dancer' copes well in coastal and windy areas too.
Clematis are happiest when their roots are kept cool and moist, so try to plant them where that the base of the plants will be lightly shaded by other, lower-growing species. Otherwise, use a clematis root protector, or top-dress the rootball (avoiding the immediate crown), with a generous layer of shingle or pebbles. Pruning is not essential but you can remove any dead or weak growth in early summer to encourage strong new growth. Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant - again avoiding the immediate crown.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten