Perennial
Clematis integrifolia 'Blueboy'
Blooms: Purple 4-5" flowers, June through September
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature Height: 5-6 feet, 1.5-2 m
Prune Hard Group C: Group C varieties bloom only on the current year's growth. Plants should be cut back in late February or March to two strong sets of leaf buds on each stem, normally within 12" (30 cm) from ground level
Watering & Fertilizing: To promote healthy growth, wait until the top 3" of your soil is dry before you water. Water thoroughly but not too frequently. Summer heat combined with overly frequent waterings or automatic irrigation can create and environment for unwanted fungi. Clematis enjoy a well drained soil, a neutral PH and a moderate to heavy feed.
Planting Directions: Dig 18" x 18" hole. Place 6" of well rotted manure mixed with good top soil in the bottom. Add a layer of good top soil and if soil has high clay content, add peat moss to this layer. Place plant in hole with top of root ball 6" below ground level. Backfill with good quality top soil mixed with a handful of bonemeal. If soil is high in clay, add peat moss to the backfill as well. Clematis need something to climb on: sweet pea netting, trellis or suitable host plant such as roses, shrubs or trees. Carefully but securely attach vine to cane and lead into the support. Where practical it is a good idea to plant a small shrub to shade the roots of Clematis.
Aquired: 2008
Planted Here: In Bird Sanctuary along white fence between Lilac and bird bath rock.
My notes: It has never done well in this spot but is the only Clematis that has survived a winter for me. I am trying two others this year and we will see what happens. To date, however, I do not like to grow Clematis. It seems fussy and is a LOT of work for the result when you consider that, although the flowers are pretty, so many other flowers are just as pretty with added scent and the bonus of being much easier to grow. It is not that I can't do the work, it is more that if I am going to invest the time, I'd rather invest it in something else equally fussy, like Tea Roses. So Clematis will have to figure out how to survive in my garden next year or it will come off my plant list. The decision is made and I am going to let it go. Famous last words, I suppose.
