Clematis 'Frankie'
alpine clematis (group 1) (syn. Clematis alpina Frankie)
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained, neutral soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Broad, bell-shaped, light to mid-blue spring flowers and mid-green leaves. This early spring-flowering clematis is perfect for covering a north or east-facing wall. The fluffy seed-heads, an important decorative feature, look fabulous glistening in the sun. - Garden care: No routine pruning is necessary. If the spread of the plant needs to be restricted prune immediately after flowering, cutting back overlong shoots to healthy buds. Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant in early spring.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten