Clematis alpina 'Francis Rivis'

Raised by Sir Cedric Morris of England in 1965.  The dark blue flower petals hide a white inner skirt.  Deep purple stems contrast nicely with dark green foliage creating a multi-season appeal.  Many gardeners enjoy the feathery seed heads that form after flowering.  Awarded the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Award of Garden Merit.  Also chosen for the 2003 Great Plant Picks (Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden).

Flowering period: Blooms mid-spring to late spring with a few flowers in late summer. 

Habit: Moderately fast growing deciduous climbing vine.

Height: 8-10'.

Exposure:  Sun to half shade.

Site: Does best in north and east facing locations.  Requires sharp drainage.

Recommended use:  Small gardens and patio's.  Useful  along pathways against walls or fences where you can enjoy the flowers close up.

Pruning: (Group 1)   When starting with a new plant prune as follows: during the winters of year 1 and 2 cut each stem ½ -1" above the lowest pair of active buds.  This will encourage low branching, giving you a fuller looking plant in later years.  Winter pruning after year 2 would be to cut each stem back to a strong pair of buds.  Remove dead or weak branches.  Hard pruning in winter will be at the expense of some spring flowers as they form on growth from the previous season.  You can prune this clematis to shape the plant in late spring after its main flowering period, with out the worry of cutting off potential flowers.    

Watering:  Likes regular water but suffers if it has wet feet. Requires good drainage.

Zones: 3-9.