Clematis crispa: Marsh Clematis for Damp Areas

Clematis crispa – Native Marsh Clematis with Curly Blue Bells

Deciduous climber native to southeastern U.S. Lavender-blue bell-shaped flowers with curly edges in summer. Blooms not profuse but elegant shape good for trellises, growing through shrubs, damp areas. Slightly fragrant, followed by attractive seedheads. Unusual cut flower.

Culture

Consistently moist soil, full sun or partial shade. Clematis like shaded roots. Plant root ball 3 inches below surface. Prune early spring by cutting all previous year's stems to strong buds 6–8 inches above ground. Propagate by seed in cold frame when ripe, divide or cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings early summer, layer late winter/early spring. Pests: scale, whiteflies, earwigs, aphids; susceptible to wilt (can be fatal).

Key Attributes

• Height: 6–10 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium to wet
• Bloom: Summer (blue, purple, white)
• Features: Native, fragrant, showy seed heads