About

Clematis 'Côte d'Azur' is a deciduous perennial that typically reaches heights of 1 to 1.2 meters. It features elliptical green foliage and bears clusters of tubular, light-blue flowers measuring approximately 2.5 centimeters in length. Each flower has a lighter central stripe and is surrounded by slightly twisted outer sepals, which frame creamy-white anthers. The blooms emerge on long stalks from the leaf axils and are produced from midsummer through early autumn.

About the genus

Clematis includes a variety of plants, ranging from deciduous and evergreen shrubs to herbaceous perennials. Many of these species are climbers, utilizing twining leaf stalks for support, and they frequently produce prominent flowers. In the fall, certain varieties develop appealing fluffy seed heads.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Climbing, Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Toxicity
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Plant in a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or with a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown of the clematis level with the soil. Ideal for growing through plants in the herbaceous border. See clematis cultivation
Pruning
Pruning (clematis) group 3
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphid, slug, snail or caterpillar damage on young growth
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux