Clematis macropetala

Clematis macropetala is a botanical species with modest growth. It is more creeping than climbing. It charms with its early, abundant, and delicate flowering. Its bell-shaped flowers are semi-double. They are blue with a hint of purple, and bloom abundantly on attractive foliage from the early days of spring. They give way to feathery and silver fruits that remain decorative for a long time. Beautiful alongside low bushes, this clematis also has a great effect when cascading down a bank or from the top of a retaining wall. It can also be grown in a large pot.

The genus Clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Similar to Clematis alpina, this species blooms early in spring on the shoots of the previous summer. It is a semi-woody, climbing or creeping perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 3m (10ft), with a spread of approximately 2.5m² (8ft²). Native to northern China, Siberia, and Mongolia, this delicate-looking plant is actually very robust. It is not afraid of late frosts.

From March to May, this clematis bears large flowers, 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, with occasional flowering in summer on new shoots. The bisexual flowers are either solitary or grouped in clusters. They are inclined downwards. They have numerous thin and delicate tepals, gathered in a bell shape, ranging from lavender-mauve to violet-blue. The centre of the flower holds a generous bouquet of cream stamens. The flowering is followed by decorative, plume-like fruits that are greyish-silver in colour. They persist on the plant until winter for those formed in summer. The finely cut leaves are composed of 3 to 5 bright green leaflets that are serrated along the edges. The deciduous foliage dries out in winter. This clematis clings to a support or host plant using petioles transformed into tendrils. 

Plant this clematis alongside Japanese quinces, forsythias, magnolias, and flowering apple or cherry trees, which bloom at the same time. These small climbers will enhance all spring-flowering shrubs. Clematis is a diverse genus, with varieties in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. The macropetala clematis is easily grown in the garden, and thanks to its relatively modest size, it will also thrive in a pot on a balcony or next to an entrance door to welcome visitors with its early and spectacular flowering. It can also be allowed to run on the ground, where it will form an original flowering carpet in spring.