Clematis 'RHAPSODY' old man's beard

Rhapsody is a compact clematis variety with intensely indigo blue flowers. They are 10-12 cm across, composed of 4-6 petals, and their colour deepens with age. The centres are decorated with light green to creamy stamens. It grows fast to 2.5-3m in height and needs a support to vine around.

It belongs to Group 2 clematis. Its flowers appear first in late spring and early summer on last year’s sideshoots, and in mid- and late summer at the tips of the current year's shoots. 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. The flowers may then be removed. Young shoots bear more flowers later in the summer.

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. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 09-08-2023