About

Clematis 'H.F. Young' is a deciduous vine that flowers in two distinct periods: from late spring to early summer and again from late summer to early autumn. Its blooms are large, star-shaped, measuring 15-18 cm in diameter. Each flower features six sepals that begin as a mauve-blue color and transition to a Wedgwood blue as they mature, complemented by pale yellow stamens.

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, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Climber Wall Shrub
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
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 sheltered position in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. Further clematis cultivation advice
Pruning
Pruning (Clematis) Group 2
Propagation
Propagate by layering, softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux