Fleuri™ Clematis

Striking, 5-inch, purple flowers cover the Fleuri™ clematis from May through August. The blooms are a deep, rich, purple shade with magenta stripes in the middle of each petal, a contrasting center, and ruffled edges. The Fleuri™ clematis is a smaller cultivar bred as a member of the compact patio clematis collection and sometimes also referred to as Evipo042 or early large-flowered clematis. This bee-attracting plant only grows about 4 feet tall but reaches that height quickly each spring. This clematis cultivar offers a compact size, so is well suited for small spaces like patio gardens, raised beds, and containers. Position it next to a mailbox or fencepost or in a large planter surrounded by annuals, for example, to take full advantage of its vertical yet condensed growth habit. The deep purple tones of this plant make it an excellent companion for shrubs and annuals that are light colored. Fleuri™ Clematis Care The ideal position for clematis allows the plant plenty of sunlight but protects the roots from intense heat. Grow the clematis in part shade or full sun, but if it receives hot afternoon sun, add a thick layer of mulch around the base or grow smaller plants over the root zone for added protection from extreme heat. To encourage vigorous growth, make sure the soil is moist and well drained with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Clematis is a heavy feeder, so plan to fertilize it monthly in the spring and summer or according to fertilizer label instructions. Cut the Fleuri™ clematis back to about 12 inches above the soil level each spring, just before growth begins. Make the cut just above a pair of strong buds. This cultivar blooms on new growth. Fleuri™ Clematis Spacing This compact clematis grows about 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it an excellent cultivar for containers or small garden spaces. This clematis requires a container size of at least 3 gallons, but take care to choose a container type and size that will not cause the roots to overheat.