Clematis patens Rhapsody

The 'Rhapsody' clematis seduces with the intensity and depth of its demin blue colour, with nuances of ultramarine, indigo, and violet as the hours pass. It is also a highly floriferous and early variety, which will be even more generous, but slightly later, if pruned back in spring. With a rather modest stature, this clematis is suitable for gardens of all sizes as well as for cultivation in a large pot. Let it climb on a Viburnum plicatum 'Watanabe' for a stunning effect!

The Clematis 'Rhapsody' is a horticultural variety obtained in 1996 by B. Fretwell in England. It is a deciduous climbing plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Hardy throughout France, it withstands cold and is not afraid of frost, even severe frost. However, it does not like stagnant humidity, so the substrate must be well-draining and watering should be moderate (if necessary during the first year). It is suitable for container cultivation if the container is, of course, large enough (minimum 50 cm (20in) in diameter).

The clematis 'Rhapsody' can reach a height of up to 3 m (10ft) with a spread of 1.25 m (4ft). It is a clematis with large single flowers and early flowering, blooming again in summer. The lignified stems from the previous year bear the spring flowers, while the herbaceous branches from the current year bear the following wave of flowers until late summer. The star-shaped flowers, 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) wide (up to 15 cm (6in) in very rich soil), are composed of petals whose blue colour intensifies, darkens, and tends towards violet as the hours pass. They have a large centre, well supplied with bristly light yellow stamens. Later on, they transform into dry fruits with persistently feathery hats, presenting a notable decorative feature in late season. The leaves, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets, are a medium green. They are borne on voluble petioles transformed into tendrils that wrap themselves around their support. The foliage, deciduous, is absent in winter.

Plant spring bulbs and a few ground-cover perennials such as white or blue-flowering geraniums at the base of this 'Rhapsody' clematis and enjoy the show with minimal maintenance! If you have a larger space, this vigorous clematis will weave through shrubs or a column and bring verticality to a bed with white, red, or pink colours. Large-flowered repeat-blooming clematis are also the best companions for your roses. Let it climb on shrubs and hedges with golden foliage or white flowers to bring out all the blue shades of its flowers.