Overview
Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' is a climbing deciduous climber in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbing on trellises, walls, fences and pergolas. It is native to Europe.
About
Clematis alpina, the Alpine clematis, is a flowering deciduous vine of the genus Clematis. Like many members of that genus, it is prized by gardeners for its showy flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis alpina
About the genus
Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly, mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clematis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clematis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- south, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered to moderate wind
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous climber
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- climbing on trellises, walls, fences, pergolas
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer'
- Cultivation
- plant in spring or autumn; prefers cool roots; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- light pruning after flowering to shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Capsid bug, Caterpillars, Earwigs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt, Clematis slime flux
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer'?
Plant in spring or autumn; prefers cool roots; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer'?
Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to moderate wind positions.
What soil does Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' need?
Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer'?
Light pruning after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.
Is Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' hardy in the UK?
Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Clematis alpina 'Blue Dancer'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Clematis genus
- Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)
- Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis
- Clematis heracleifoliatube clematis
- Clematis heracleifolia var. davidianatube clematis
- Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Campanile'Tube Clematis
- Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule'Tube Clematis
- Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Côte d'Azur'Tube Clematis
- Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Wyevale'Tube Clematis