Clematis stans

JAPANESE SHRUB CLEMATIS

Clematis stans
JAPANESE SHRUB CLEMATIS

Clematis stans is a shrubby perennial Clematis, rather than a climber.
And it is a little beauty.

China blue pagodas on a shrub rather than a climber

Clematis stans bears a profusion of pale china blue bells with reflexed edges. Rather like Hyacinth flowers with the colour of an old Delft tile.
Blooms are delightfully clustered in nodding heads during spring and autumn, and have a soft, sweet scent.

Plant amongst the roses or flowers

So it looks charming planted amongst roses or mixed with, or behind, other flowers.
Where the soft china blue colouring enhances any colour scheme.
Then the blooms are followed by the usual decorative fluffy seed heads that help make the Clematis family such a treat even after blooming finishes.

Dense upstanding clump

Japanese Shrub Clematis has very attractive cut leaves of mid green, and forms a dense, upstanding clump that just gets better with more and more flowers each year.
Plant it in semi shade, dappled light under taller shrubs or trees, or morning sun.
And it looks wonderful as a companion beneath standard plants.

Clematis stans is native to woodland edges in Japan, so enjoys the company of trees.
And will also enjoy mulch, compost and fertilizer, repaying you with even more flowers.
However it is not a particularly thirsty plant, so normal average garden watering is all that is required, particularly if it is well mulched.
Like most Clematis it likes to have a mulched, protected root run, while the flowers reach for the sun.

Frost hardy.
Long lived perennial clump

80cm x 80cm.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

INDOORS: Sow Clematis seeds in a punnet of good quality seed raising mix at any time.
Then lightly cover the seeds with sieved mix or fine river sand to a depth same as the seeds diameter.

Then place the sown punnet into a water bath (make sure the water level in the bath is below the surface of the mix).
So the moisture percolates up through the mix from the bottom to thoroughly moisten the mix throughout.
Soak for a short time until moisture appears on the surface of the mix, and then remove and drain.
Because the mix needs to be moist throughout, but not wet.

Now place the moist punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in direct sun).
Temperatures of 15-22°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a temperature-controlled heat mat if you have one to encourage rapid germination, but it is not essential. A window-sill or well-lit corner is also fine.

Adding a clear plastic cover helps to retain moisture in the punnet.
And continue to keep the punnet moist by spraying the surface of the mix a fine spray water bottle, or re-soaking in the water bath, as required.
(If the punnet is light weight when you pick it up – the mix is drying out and needs another soak from below in the water bath).

Seedlings emerge in approx. 30 days.

However if the seeds are shy to germinate and have not appeared in 30 days, then the seeds need a period of chilling to break their natural dormancy. This is normal for plants from areas with cold winters.

So wrap the moist, sown punnet in cling-wrap, place in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks (this mimics winter).
Then remove, unwrap, and return to a well-lit place for germination.

SEED COUNT: 40 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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