Clematis Tangutica

The Clematis of the Tangutica Group are cultivars derived more or less directly from Clematis meclatis. These are deciduous climbing species with a late flowering period, blooming on the current year's growth. Vigorous plants, their pale to dark green leaves, sometimes grey-green, ranging from 2 to 15cm (1 to 6in) long, are single and lanceolate or pinnate, dentate. The inflorescences appear as solitary flowers or in numerous paniculate cymes. On the young branches, the first flowers develop more towards the end of the vine. The flowers of the Tangutica Group are bisexual, with trailing bell-shaped flowers measuring 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in) in diameter. The bud is rather curved. The petals, numbering from 4 to 6, are white, cream, sometimes streaked with purple. At the end of flowering feathery and highly decorative seed heads appear. The flowering period lasts from July to October with a beautiful rebloom in autumn depending on the variety. The hardiness of Tangutica Group Clematis varies between +5 and -34°C (41 and -29.2°F) depending on the species. In March, all the previous year's stems should be cut back to 20cm (8in) above the ground, cutting just above a cluster of buds. Tangutica Clematis, with fibrous roots, are planted shallowly in moist, humus-rich and well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.