Clematis heracleifolia

HYACINTH BUSH CLEMATIS

Clematis heracleifolia
HYACINTH BUSH CLEMATIS

Clematis heracleifolia is a very useful flower garden Clematis, as it grows as a self supporting bush, rather than as a climber.

Sweetly scented bush Clematis

The blooms of Clematis heracleifolia are also sweetly scented with a wafting fragrance equal to the scent of Hyacinths.
So they are a treat to be near – for both perfume and colour.

Mass of elegant violet-blue blooms

Happily, Clematis heracleifolia is a prolific bloomer, and covers itself with violet-blue flowers from mid-summer through into autumn.
With the petal tips on each tubular-bell flower curled back like pagodas, or twisting like ribbons fluttering in the breeze.
Flower colours can vary from silver-blue, through Hyacinth blue, to violet-blue.
All are scrumptious.

Graceful mounding shrub clematis (not a climber)

Bush Clematis are graceful shrubs rather than climbers.
So they form their own mounds without any support, and make striking features in a flower bed.
Or they can also be planted with a host shrub and they will gently scramble amongst the lower branches.
Profuse, long blooming makes Clematis heracleifolia a very special Bush Clematis.

Profuse flowers & decorative fluffy heads for vases

Clematis heraceifolia is spectacular for flower beds, rose gardens, and pots.
So you can plant it amongst rose bushes or other flowers, and just leave it to get on with the business of flowering.
Plus the blooms make lovely cut flowers for floristry.
As do the fluffy autumn seed heads which are decorative in the garden and also wonderful cut for vases.

Low maintenance & easy growing

Clematis heracleifolia grows approx. 90cm high and makes a low maintenance, easy growing, perennial mound approx. 75-90cm. wide.
It is deciduous, with butter yellow autumn colour foliage.
Cut the mound back hard at the same time you prune the roses in winter. You can chop right back to the ground.
Then it is ready to sprout away with fresh, downy stems of bloom next spring.

Enjoys a wide range of conditions

These lovely plants enjoy the same conditions as roses, with the same tastes for a fair amount of sun, occasional deep watering, summer feed, summer mulch and some lime.
Clematis heracleifolia is easily pleased, thriving in a range of soils from sandy, through garden loam, to clay based soils.

Hardy in both frost or humidity

Clematis heracelifolia is frost hardy in winter and also tolerant of summer humidity.
This lovely perennial Clematis is not at all invasive, having no runners, but instead forms a denser and even more prolific blooming mound each year.

Deer, rabbit & even possum resistant

Fortunately, deer, rabbits and even possums dislike the flavour of Clematis, so usually leave this treasure alone.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Sow indoors at any time of the year when suitable temperatures can be provided.

Sow indoors for best germination: First soak the seeds in previously boiled, warm water. Leave stand for 12-24 hours.

Then sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
And only barely cover with seed mix, sand or vermiculite.

Now ensure the punnet is thoroughly moist all the way through by standing it in a shallow water-bath and allowing the moisture to percolate through to the surface from beneath.

Place the moist punnet in a well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of approx. 20-25C are best for optimum and rapid germination.
So you can use a temperature controlled heat mat to maintain best temperatures.

Continue to keep the punnet consistently moist by misting from a spray water bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic lid or bag will also help to maintain consistent moisture.
Do not allow to dry out.

Seeds usually germinate in approx. 30 days.

However if no seeds have germinated after 30-40 days, then the seeds have entered a natural dormancy, and will need a period of chilling (a “pretend winter”).
So wrap the moist, sown punnet in cling-wrap and place in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

Then bring the punnet out to the well-lit position again, unwrap, and keep at approx. 20-25C. for seeds to sprout.

Do not discard the punnet too quickly, as it is natural for some seeds to be faster to germinate than others.

Seed Count: 20 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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