Clematis macropetala (d)
downy clematis
A robust, deciduous climber with attractive, toothed leaves divided into leaflets with sharply serrated edges. Single nodding pale blue to violet-blue flowers with four lance-shaped petals 3-4.5cm long and many smaller, blue or cream petal-like stamens in the centre, so appearing semi-double appear in spring with some blooms in late summer, are followed by numerous seedheads
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- E & N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. Can be grown in containers at least 45cm (18in) deep and wide in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost. See clematis cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by layering or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars on young growth; petals can be eaten by earwigs
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.