Clematis integrifolia

‘Blue Ribbons’

BLUE RIBBONS

BUSH CLEMATIS

Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’
BLUE RIBBONS BUSH CLEMATIS

I treasure Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ as the loveliest and most impressive of all the Bush Clematis.

Largest loveliest flowers of all the Bush Clematis

Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ has larger flowers (up to 3 times larger than the original species) of deep, rich, indigo-blue. WOW.
With the petals on each flower curled back like pagodas, or twisting like flying blue ribbons.

Flying ribbons of deep rich indigo-blue

So a shrub in full flower looks like a flock of fluttering blue ribbons twisting in the breeze.
Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ blooms profusely over spring and summer, and also has many more flowers than the original species – so making a garden treasure.

Graceful mounding shrub clematis (not a climber)

Because Bush Clematis are graceful shrub clematis rather than climbers.
So they form their own mounds without any support.
And the profuse, long blooming of ‘Blue Ribbons’ makes it a very special mound.

Profuse flowers & decorative fluffy heads for vases

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

Low maintenance & easy growing

Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ grows 45-60cm high and makes low maintenance, easy growing, perennial clumps.
Bush Clematis are self supporting, unless you particularly wish to display them on a tripod – where they will scramble up to a low height.
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.

Hardy in both frost or humidity

Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ are frost hardy in winter and also tolerate summer humidity.
They are deciduous, with butter yellow autumn colour foliage.
So the only work is to chop the mounds back to the socks at the end of autumn, and then enjoy the new stems that come again in spring.
Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’ are not at all invasive, having no runners, but instead form denser and even more prolific blooming mounding clumps 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 sow the seeds in punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then lightly cover with seed mix, sand or vermiculite to a depth the same as the diameter of seed.

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

Then place the moist punnet in a well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of approx. 15-22C 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 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. 15-22C. for seeds to sprout.

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

Seed Count: 5 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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