Clematis Success Bleu de Loire

Clematis 'Success Bleu de Loire' is a beautiful variety of large-flowered clematis from the Success series, particularly interesting for its large flowers that bloom from the top to the bottom of the plant, unlike other classic varieties that often become bare near the base. This lovely compact climber will not exceed 2m (7ft) high with large blue-violet star-shaped flowers with a delightful little purple centre crowned with yellow cream stamens and anthers. A wonderful little climber that flowers almost 6 months a year, to be planted with a shrub, or even in a large pot on the terrace.

Clematis belong to the ranunculaceae family. They are found in both hemispheres, especially in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia and North and Central America. The variety 'Success Bleu de Loire', obtained in France by Travers nurseries shortly before 2015, is a perennial, hardy, semi-woody climbing plant, which will reach 1 to 2m (3 to 7ft) high, with a minimum spread of 1m (3ft). 

This clematis bears six-petaled star-shaped flowers, 12 to 16cm (5 to 6in) in diameter on the previous year's growth from April to June, and then on the current year's growth from late summer to autumn. The flowers are solitary or grouped in cymes and particularly abundant. They are erect and have 6 solid-coloured, satin sky blue tepals, tinged with blue-violet. The flowers are followed by decorative, feathery, silver-grey seed heads that persist until winter. The pinnate leaves with ovate, smooth leaflets, are medium green and of the typical viticella type. This clematis clings to its support or host plant through petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant clematis alongside your climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a diverse genus, with varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Success Bleu de Loire' loves to weave through bushes and performs very well in a large pot.