Clematis alpina

ALPINE CLEMATIS
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: KLEM-uh-tiss al-PEEN-uh

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
European Alps.
Plant Group:
Vines.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (Western).
USDA zones: 6-9.
Mature size:
Height: 6-10 feet (2-3 m). Width: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Flowering period:
Spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes:
Single, bell-shaped, blue flowers with white centers.
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:
Sow seed and keep at 65-75°F (18-23°C); germination should occur rapidly. If germination has not occurred within 4 weeks, place seed trays where temperatures are 25-40°F (-3 to 4°C) for up to 4 weeks.
Layer branches in late winter.
Basal and softwood cuttings in spring.
Division in spring.
Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Pruning Methods:
Pruning group 1 or A.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Discovered in 1768, Clematis alpina is a beautiful true-blue color and blooms about the same time as C. montana, although not as exuberantly. C alpina had an Award of Merit bestowed upon it in 1993, by the Royal Horticultural Society.

In my garden, it climbs up a stump, falls, gets trampled on, and still manages to flourish. It weaves in and out of Salal and a climbing Aster, giving the spring garden a breath of blue. Occasionally it will flower again in autumn.

This clematis grows best in full sun and is right at home in a container. Give it something to climb and minimal pruning, and it will reward you with spring blooms and sometimes a sprinkling of flowers in fall.

More Clematis.

Planting and Care of Clematis.

Photographed in author's garden.