Clematis 'NOCTURNE' old man's beard

Nocturne is a fascinating clematis variety from Japan, bred by F.Miyata and K.Miyazaki, raised in 1989. It is cross between varieties Tateshina and Kakio, thanks to latter its has large flowers - about 12 cm in spring, and about 8-10 cm in late summer and autumn. They emerge rich purple pink and mature to almost indigo blue with a prominent, pale lavender blue, central band. Nocturne prefers partial shade as its flowers suffer from full sun, especially in dry seasons.

It belongs to Group 2 clematis: in early spring remove dead and damaged stems before growth begins, trimming all remaining stems to where strong buds are visible. These buds provide a framework of second-year shoots that flower in late spring and early summer. We suggest pruning the plant after the spring flowering has finished by about a third or even half its size. It will re-emerge and flower again and quite reliably from August until October.

Clematis likes deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil that remains cool. You can grow a plant below clematis that will provide shade for its roots. Add garden compost in late winter and mulch it well. Nocturne is quite compact and can be grown in a container if regularly fertilized. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 087-11-2017