Clematis Ice Blue

The Ice Blue™ 'Evipo003' Clematis is a prized variety for its exceptionally large, lightly tinted, pale blue flowers that bring great elegance to the garden. Ideal for dressing trellises, pergolas, or fences, it offers abundant flowering in spring and again in late summer or early autumn.

The Ice Blue™ 'Evipo003' Clematis is a deciduous climbing plant reaching a height of 2 to 3 m at maturity with a spread of about 1 m. Its stems easily cling to supports via the petioles of its leaves which are transformed into tendrils. The leaves formed of 5 to 9 dark green leaflets produce a dense and attractive foliage. Measuring between 15 and 20 cm in diameter, the flowers feature rounded, slightly pointed sepals in a delicate icy blue often tinged with white, with a large cluster of creamy-yellow stamens at their centre. The main flowering period is from May to June, followed by a second blooming in September. This clematis is hardy down to -25°C.

The Ice Blue™ 'Evipo003' Clematis was developed in 1998 by Raymond Evison and Mogens Olesen in the UK. This cultivar is the result of cross-breeding between the 'Evitwo' Clematis and Clematis chrysocoma. Since its introduction, it has been cherished for its abundant flowering and ease of cultivation. This variety belongs to the horticultural group of large-flowered clematis typically derived from Clematis patens, a species native to Japan. Clematis in this group are renowned for their spectacular large flowers and their early spring flowering on the previous year's growth. They require moderate pruning, usually in early spring, by removing dead or weak stems and shortening the others to about 30 cm from the ground. These clematis prefer fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded position. It is advisable to keep the base in shade, mulching or planting low-growing perennials nearby to maintain soil moisture.

The Ice Blue™ 'Evipo003' Clematis is perfect for adorning trellises, small pergolas, or fence panels. It can be planted alongside climbing roses in pastel shades, honeysuckles with delicate fragrance, or compact wisterias to create attractive floral displays. For harmonious pairings, consider for example the 'Pierre de Ronsard' Climbing Rose  with its pink flowers, the 'Marinella'Honeysuckle  with its pastel blooms, or the 'Multi Blue' Clematis with its violet-blue flowers. The 'Ice Blue's large flowers will last several days in a vase—take advantage of this to create cut flower arrangements, especially along with peonies.