Clematis 'Rooguchi'
clematis i (group 3)
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: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
An exciting introduction from Japan, the nodding, bell shaped flowers of this cultivar are carried on sturdy stems and can grow to 5cm (2in) long. Their rich violet-blue petals have a light lavender edging, and look lovely over a long period from mid summer to autumn. A semi-herbaceous, non-clinging form, which can be trained onto a trellis, or left to scramble scramble amongst the flower border. 'Rooguchi' is an easy to grow clematis which flowers prolifically.
Clematis are happiest when their roots are kept cool and moist, so try to plant them where that the base of the plants will be lightly shaded by other, lower-growing species. Otherwise, use a clematis root protector, or top-dress the rootball (avoiding the immediate crown), with a generous layer of shingle or pebbles. This clematis is herbaceous and will die back during the winter to emerge again during the spring - remove spent stems and foliage to the ground in February, and apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds, feed the soil, and keep the root area moist and cool for the growing season ahead.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten