Clematis heracleifolia

Clematis heracleifolia, also known as C. davidiana, is a Chinese botanical species that is very different from the large-flowered vines that populate the imagination of many gardeners. This superb perennial has semi-herbaceous vegetation and semi-evergreen foliage. It bears an abundance of fragrant clusters consisting of sky-blue bell-shaped flowers. They are borne on upright stems covered with large velvety greenish-grey leaves. This curious clematis blooms in autumn, at the same time as asters and sunflowers. It thrives in cold and humid climates and heavy, clay soils.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis heracleifolia is an herbaceous botanical species with a woody base, native to China. It is a bushy and low-climbing perennial plant, forming a clump of upright and semi-spreading angular stems, which make it approximately 60cm (24in) wide. Pruned back to 30cm (12in) each year, the old stems lignify and branch out, while the new stems bear beautiful dark greenish-grey leaves with three large leaflets, giving it a bushy appearance. In September-October, long flowering stems emerge, reaching a height of 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft). The inflorescences are whorls of small flowers that are inclined towards the ground, shaped like elongated bells, 2 to 3cm (1in) long, and gathered in clusters. They are fragrant and composed of 4 petals that are strongly curled at their tips. They are sky-blue in colour with a throat of cream-white stamens. When they fade, the fruits form small green and silvery plumes, characteristic of clematis, but their ball-shaped arrangement around the stem enhances the decorative effect. The plant takes a little time to establish itself, rooting deeply in the soil before showing exponential growth in the following years. This clematis prefers partially shaded, non-scorching locations, as well as consistently moist soil.

The surprising Clematis heracleifolia brings a breath of fresh air to autumn flower beds, as the summer blooms fade away. Plant it alongside repeat-flowering roses to accompany their final bloom and fill in their bare base. The combination with ornamental apple trees (Malus 'Everest' or M. 'Van Eseltine') is also charming. Clematis represents a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. It will be perfectly happy in a pot on a balcony or in a flower bed overrun with perennial peas, variegated ivy, and small-flowered periwinkles. It extends the summer season, blending so easily with other perennial plants or even grasses (Schizachyrium scoparium, Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio') in the garden or in bouquets.