Clematis ianthina

At a glance

Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −28.9 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade. Very closely related to C. fusca, differing mainly in its short-stalked flowers with small bracts and the more violet coloured flowers. A twining plant. Plants flower on the current season's new shoots. They can usually be left unpruned, though weak or dead shoots can be removed and main shoots can be cut back by up to two thirds of their length if they are outgrowing their allotted area. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer.

Edible uses

Leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat

Shrubberies and other bushy places.

Native range

E. Asia - Northern China, eastern Siberia and Korea.