Clematis Star River ('Zostarri') (PBR)
clematis (group 3)
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: Average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
A star-studded spectacle, smothering itself in stunning two-tone blooms throughout the summer. This compact clematis bears large open-faced flowers in shades of lavender with darker mauve ribbing, and shines cascading from containers, sprawling through borders or intertwined with roses and shrubs - it can also gracefully adorn fences when given support. The abundant free-flowering nature and gorgeous bicoloured blossoms make 'Star River' a true, easy to manage small climber for smaller spaces.
Clematis are happiest when their roots are kept cool and moist, so try to plant them where 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. In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground-level and 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