Clematis patens Crystal Fountain

Clematis 'Crystal Fountain' is a beautiful climbing perennial, with large lavender-blue flowers with a lighter bristly centre.

In May/June and then again in September/October, this robust plant reaches a height of 2.5m (8ft) and covers old walls with double flowers with 8 petals, 15cm (6in) in diameter. They display a beautiful lavender-blue shade with a touch of anise green at the centre. When the petals fade, the centre remains highly decorative, resembling a blue-green dahlia. Its deep green deciduous leaves have 3 ovate leaflets, and are carried by voluble stems that twine around their support with tendrils.

Winner of the Courson award, Clematis 'Crystal Fountain' thrives in clay-siliceous, well-prepared, deep, moist, and fertile soil. It prefers a sunny position with its base in shade. Planting ground cover plants around it is recommended. Watch out for aphids!

Clematis 'Crystal Fountain' beautifully climbs trellises, fences, pylons, arches, trees, and bushes. It will work wonders in a pot on a patio. Combine it with other species of clematis or marry it with a climbing rose.

Tips: avoid excessive applications of fertiliser, as it stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch in order to prevent excessive moisture, which can promote disease.