Unlike their climbing cousins the bush clematis keeps a lower profile, but what they do share are the prolific and unique blooms. Dark purple buds open into lavender purples, bell-shaped flowers that appear to ring in a gentle breeze. After flowering, attractive star shaped threadlike seed heads emerge creating a showy display among the still profuse flowers. For those looking for a low-maintenance plant it is best to look elsewhere, but those who work their gardens regularly will be rewarded. Plants benefit from staking and light cages are even better for keeping the broad deep-green foliage upright during the growing season. Clematis should be pruned each year to the previous year's wood, but this can be tricky as their dense structure makes it more challenging. Pruning should be done in winter or early spring, and will eliminate spring flowers - meaning you’ll have to wait for summer to experience the gorgeous blooms. For those who want spring flowers, restorative pruning can be done by pruning back ⅓ of the branches and leaving ⅔ to grow. Photos courtesy of Walter Gardens
