Clematis 'Blue Sensation'

Clematis 'Blue Sensation' was bred by Dutch hybridiser Gerard S. Kuijf from Clematis integrifolia and an unknown crossing partner. From May to August, the deciduous sub-shrub opens numerous small, deep violet-blue flowers 5 to 7 cm across: four, occasionally six, narrow sepals surround a striking cluster of yellow stamens.

Growing to a compact 100 to 150 cm, 'Blue Sensation' forms no clinging roots of its own and leans against trellises, low shrubs or plant supports rather than climbing by itself. This makes it ideal for perennial borders, underplanting low shrubs, or containers on balconies and patios, in a sunny to semi-shaded position. After flowering, decorative, silvery feathery seed heads adorn the plant well into autumn.

'Blue Sensation' is reliably hardy (zone 4, down to about -34 °C) and copes well even with harsh winters. As it belongs to pruning group 3, cut the stems back hard to around 10 cm in March – this encourages a compact, richly flowering new growth every year.