Overview

Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule' is a climber in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and containers. It is native to China.

About

Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule' is a clematis with a scrambling habit that bears elongated tubular blue flowers. It suits sheltered positions in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Flowering occurs May to September. Plant it in borders or upright containers where its stems can be supported and the blooms seen close to eye level.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis heracleifolia

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

In the garden

Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule' is a member of the Ranunculaceae brought to gardens from China. Unlike many clematis that climb by twining, this form has a more scrambling manner and carries elongated tubular blue flowers that appear from May to September. Position it where it receives full sun or partial shade on a sheltered aspect; exposure to drying winds will reduce flowering. It favours moist but well-drained soils with neutral to alkaline pH, so avoid very acid planting mixes. Hardiness is H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens; give younger plants a little winter protection in colder, exposed sites until established. Use 'Crépuscule' at the front or middle of a mixed border where its low scrambling stems can be trained through neighbouring perennials, or plant it in a large container on a patio where a short support will lift the blooms to eye level. Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season and mulch to conserve moisture, particularly in pots. Tie stems gently rather than rigidly to preserve the plant’s natural habit and to display the tubular blue flowers to best effect.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clematis

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Climber

Suggested uses

borders, containers

Native to

China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana 'Crépuscule'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Water regularly during dry periods.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Propagation

Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Clematis genus

• 
  Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)
• 
  Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis
• 
  Clematis stans
• 
  Clematis × eriostemonClematis
• 
  Clematis × jouiniana
• Clematis 'Edward Prichard'clematis 'Edward Prichard'
• Clematis 'Fairydust' (Vt)
• Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)