Clematis 'Elsa Spath'

©1998

syn. C. 'Xerxes'
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Garden.
Plant Group Vines.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: All (western). USDA zones: 4-9.
Mature size: Height: 6-10 feet (2-3 m).
Flowering period Late spring to summer.
Flowering attributes
Large, single purple-blue flower that fades to mauve-blue color, with red anthers. Later in the season it produces a smaller flower.
Leaf attributes Deciduous, green leaves.
Light Tops in full sun to partial shade, feet in shade.
Soil Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding Mulch well with composted manure or compost. Fertilize once a month with a complete organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation Methods Layer branches in late winter. | Basal and softwood cuttings in spring. | Division in spring. | Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Pruning Methods Pruning group 2 or B.

Rainy Side Notes

L. Spath of Germany, who raised the clematis, introduced Clematis 'Elsa Spath' in 1891. Its parentage is unknown. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded this cultivar the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

C. 'Elsa Spath', a beautiful clematis with large flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer and again in early autumn, merits a place in the garden. It's well adapted to growing in containers, and is an excellent vine choice for deck or rooftop gardens in an urban environment.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

Additional Reading

Planting and Care of Clematis.

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