Clematis 'Columbine'

Clematis alpina 'Columbine' was selected around 1937 by the English breeder Ernest Markham and introduced in 1939, presumably from a cross between Clematis alpina and Clematis sibirica. As a member of the Atragene Group, it produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers in blue: four tapering, pale lavender-blue sepals that fade to a soft grey-blue surround creamy white to greenish staminodes, giving the 4 cm flower its distinctive shape.

'Columbine' flowers as early as April and reaches around 200 cm in height — ideal for trellises, arbours and obelisks on walls, fences or pergolas, but equally at home in generously sized containers (at least 45 cm deep and wide). It thrives in a sunny to partly shaded spot, as long as the roots and base of the plant stay cool and shaded, for example under low companion plants or a layer of mulch.

Rated for zone 5 (down to around -28.8 to -23.4 °C), 'Columbine' is very hardy and reliably survives harsh winters outdoors. As it belongs to pruning group 1 and flowers on old wood, pruning is not strictly necessary; even so, cutting it back to around 100 cm in June encourages compact, bushy growth and a generous flush the following year. Like many wild-species hybrids, it is popular with bees — wear gloves when pruning, as the sap can irritate the skin.