Clematis x viticella Perle d'Azur

Clematis 'Perle D'Azur' is an old French variety, introduced in 1885, that continues to delight gardeners who love beautiful, easy-to-grow vines. This plant, derived from the Italian clematis, is perfectly hardy, undemanding in terms of soil, particularly floriferous, and resistant to diseases. From July to October, pale-mauve buds appear on this lively little vine, which open into large bright azure blue flowers, sometimes touched with mauve. They are enhanced by cream stamens in the centre. It was awarded by the RHS for its numerous qualities. This clematis adapts to all regions.

Clematis belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They can be found in both hemispheres, particularly in Europe, the Himalayas, China, Australia, and North and Central America. The 'Perle d'Azur' variety is a robust plant, perfectly perennial and hardy, semi-woody and climbing, with slender stems that will reach between 3 to 3.5m (10 to 11ft) in height, with a minimum spread of 1.5m (5ft). It has the genes of C. viticella, a species particularly resistant to diseases and rather dry soils.

The star-shaped flowers, with 4 to 6 petals, measuring 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in diameter, appear on new shoots from July until the end of summer, or even into autumn. They bloom without interruption. The flowers are either solitary or grouped in clusters and are particularly abundant. They are somewhat trailing to semi-erect and have wide tepals, often curved at the edges, of a bright satin azure blue, washed with mauve in the centre. The heart of the flower is adorned with cream to greenish-yellow stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery silver-grey fruits that persist until winter. The deciduous and deep green leaves are pinnate with lanceolate leaflets bearing acute tips. This clematis clings to supports or host plants through petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant your clematis alongside climbing roses or vines to extend the flowering period of walls and pergolas until the end of summer. Place them next to beautiful perennials such as geraniums, carnations, iris, peonies, sage nemorosa, and phlox, which will provide the shade it appreciates at its base. It is a diverse genus, with clematis available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of the easy cultivation of Clematis viticella to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Perle d'Azur' loves to climb on bushes and does very well in a large pot. Let it climb on a lilac, an abelia, a large shrub rose, or even in an informal hedge.