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Herbaceous Perennial

Clematis heracleifolia 'China Purple' (H)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

clematis 'China Purple'

A deciduous bushy, upright perennial with dark green leaves. Fragrant, rich hyacinth-like violet-blue flowers appear in the summer, turning to fluffy seedheads in the autumn. This variety scrambles rather than climbs

Synonyms
Clematis heracleifolia 'China Blue'
Clematis tubulosa 'China Purple'
see moreClematis 'China Blue'
Clematis 'China Purple'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn

Name status

Accepted

Horticultural Group
Heracleifolia Group consists of deciduous, woody-based sub-shrubs with erect or climbing stems, sometimes herbaceous, ternate or pinnate leaves, and narrowly bell-shaped or starry flowers on the current year's growth in summer and autumn

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant herbaceous clematis at soil level in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun, with the roots and base of the plant in shade. See clematis cultivation. May require support. See staking perennials for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or take basal softwood cuttings of herbaceous clematis in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 3

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux

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