Clematis Species, Bluebill, Vase Vine, Leather Flower

Probably my favorite Clematis. I originally purchased this as Texensis but when it flowered it was not that. I had a Clematis nurseryma...Read Moren confirm it as "viorna group" but whether it is the actual species or a cross I cannot say. Researching it online there is a lot of variability in the species so I am just enjoying what I have. If it is happy and you are not overly tidy in the garden it will reseed. From the one I planted I know have about 10 (this has taken about 20 years). I have also started some from seed. They are very slow to mature, I pretty much would rather just surprise myself by finding a new one in the garden. Also they are really tough. I was killing off an overgrown bed to replant it and even though I dug out the vine and treated the bed with two month of solarization. The roots still resprouted. The seed heads are lovely as well.

After many years of wishing for this plant, (and placing myself on a "waiting list" with an online vendor who after 2 years still did not...Read More fulfill my order), I found these vines offered and purchased 2 of them, just in case. Upon arrival, the boxed specimens were in distress and I was dubious about their survival. I placed them into my raised beds with rich soil, developed after years of adding compost. I did not feel they were thriving for the remaining months of the 2014 growing season, however. Light was half shade according to recommendations. Vines over-wintered there. Both sprouted in the spring and were not relocated. They stayed in place and bloomed very well, making lots of healthy, viable seeds which I hope to sprout. I will also consider moving the vines to a new spot to free up my raised bed for more vegetables. I am charmed beyond words with the petite form and delicate nature of the blossoms. LOVE this Clematis.

From website of one vendor offering this vine:
Group 3 Clematis - flower later in summer and into fall. They form flowers on new growth each year. For the best display and neatest look, they should be pruned back hard each spring to about two feet off the ground. However, if you are training one of these into a tree or onto an overhead arbor they should be left much longer. Look for fat, healthy buds on sturdy canes and make your cut just above them. The branches may be guided and tied to new positions now also.

Very vigorous yet well behaved climbing vine. i bought three seedlings online last year 2011, and my biggest one one, on the north side o...Read Moref my house, is now 7', growing next to clematis 'Walenburg'. I love the texture of the flower...it feels just the way it looks...like dense styrofoam...and it floats! i'll take a pic soon....i just love this funky species...it took me forever to find it, however, which is why i purchased 3 when i found it...in case i killed one or two. None have died...all are thriving. I have the other two growing separately...one through a redbud, and the other through a Don Juan Rose.

No problem with survival for this species in zone 3a, N. Minnesota.