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Climber Wall Shrub

Clematis patens

open-flowered clematis

Slender, deciduous climber long cultivated in Japan, an old species clematis about 3m tall, with single upright flowers to 13cm across, in variable colours from white to shades of pink and blue with reddish-mauve anthers, flowering from mid spring to early summer, then late summer

Synonyms
Clematis caerulea

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Pink White Green
Summer Blue Pink White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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
China, Japan, Korea

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How to grow

Cultivation

Plant in 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. Ideal for a trellis or garden obelisk. See clematis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

See clematis pruning: group two

Pests

May be susceptible to aphid, slug, snail or caterpillar damage on young growth

Diseases

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

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