Clematis macropetala
Back to Previous Page
Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: downy clematis
Type: Vine
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Siberia, Mongolia, China
Height: 8 to 12 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Violet, lavender-blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Tolerates: Black Walnuts, Deer

Culture

Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Roots should be kept cool, shaded and uniformly moist. Bloom occurs on the previous year's growth. No pruning is required, but may be pruned to shape immediately after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This species of clematis (sometimes commonly called downy clematis) is a deciduous, early-flowering, semi-woody climbing clematis vine which typically grows 6-10' and features nodding, lantern-shaped, almost-columbine-like, pale lavender-blue flowers (to 3" across) in April. Flowers give way to fluffy, pinkish seed heads which have good ornamental interest. Biternate, medium green foliage with deeply cut leaflets.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to wilt.

Garden Uses

Many gardeners believe C. macropetala is best planted to sprawl through large shrubs because it flowers early and is not that attractive during the remaining part of the growing season. Like other climbing clematises, it can also be trained to climb a wall, trellis, fence, arbor, porch, lamp post or other stationary structure.

Back to Previous Page