Clematis 'Lasurstern''
 |
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (western).
USDA zones: 4-9.
Heat zones: 9-1
Mature size:
Height: 8-10 feet (2.5-3 m).
Width: 3 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
Flowers late spring to early summer and again in late summer.
Flowering attributes:
Large, single lavender-blue flowers, 7-9 inches across with white filaments, creamy yellow anthers, and undulating tepals that taper to acute points, followed by large spherical seed heads.
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. Follow the recommendations for pruning group 2 or prune hard after first initial flowering in early summer. By late summer, the vine will have a second flush of large flowers. Without hard pruning, the flowers will be smaller on its second round.
Rainy Side Notes
Clematis 'Lasurstern' has a beautiful, clear lavender-blue color on its discoid-shaped flower. Raised at a nursery in Germany and introduced into cultivation in 1905, the vine's parentage is unknown. Blooming more than once during the growing season, this large-flowering clematis remains one of the best hybrids of these vines; it was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
The vine is tolerant of many garden soils, although I recommend providing better soil for better performance. It needs protection from wind that will damage the large flowers. The blooms are striking as cut flowers for the vase, and the handsome, perfectly round seed heads are lovely used in dried arrangements. This clematis is suitable for container growing.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Planting and Care of Clematis.
Book Recommendation: Gardening with Clematis : Design & Cultivation
Tell a friend about this page!
Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.