The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis (Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’) is a charming addition to any garden, known for its unique, nodding bell-shaped flowers and bush-like growth habit. This perennial plant adds a touch of elegance and color to garden beds and borders. Here’s a detailed guide to growing and caring for the Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis.
Appearance
The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers with deep blue petals.
Each flower typically has four petals that are slightly curved backward, giving a ribbon-like appearance.
The petals are velvety and can be up to 2 inches in diameter.
The buds are slender and elongated, opening into charming bell-shaped blooms.
The leaves are dark green, lanceolate to ovate, and grow alternately along the stems. They are smooth with a slightly leathery texture, adding a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
Native
Clematis integrifolia is native to Europe and Asia. The ‘Blue Ribbons’ variety is a cultivated form of this species.
Hardiness Zones
4-9 (USDA)
Perennial
The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis is a perennial plant, meaning it returns year after year with proper care.
Plantation Requirements
For planting Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis, use well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Rich, loamy soil is preferred, but it can tolerate a range of soil types. Plant the root ball about 2-3 inches below the soil surface to protect the roots.
Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth.
Unlike vining clematis, this variety has a more bush-like growth habit and may need some support or staking to keep it upright.
Blooming Season
The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with sporadic blooms continuing into early autumn.
Care Instructions
To ensure your Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis thrives, follow these care guidelines:
Sunlight Requirement: Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal blooming, but can tolerate some shade.
Water Requirement: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Ensure consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. Deep watering is recommended to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring as new growth begins. Additional feeding with a high-potassium fertilizer can help promote continuous blooming.
Mulching: Use organic mulch like bark chips, straw, or compost to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.
Companion Planting: Suitable companions include roses, peonies, and other plants that share similar soil and sunlight requirements. This bush clematis can also be used in mixed borders or as a low-growing companion to taller plants.
Uses
The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis is primarily used for ornamental purposes, enhancing garden beauty with its unique and attractive bell-shaped flowers. It is ideal for mixed borders, garden beds, and as a low-growing accent plant. There are no widely recognized medicinal or culinary uses for this specific variety.
Propagation
Propagate Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis by taking cuttings or layering in early spring or late summer. Ensure the cuttings have at least one pair of leaves and a section of stem to encourage root growth.
Problems and Organic Solutions
Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests organically. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can be managed by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Special Facts
While the Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis doesn’t have specific associations with luck or feng-shui, its stunning blooms and unique growth habit make it a prized addition to any garden.
Key Facts for Growing Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis
| Category | Details |
| Appearance | Nodding, bell-shaped flowers with deep blue petals. Four slightly curved backward petals, velvety texture, up to 2 inches in diameter. Slender, elongated buds. Dark green, lanceolate to ovate, smooth, slightly leathery leaves. |
| Native | Cultivated form of Clematis integrifolia, native to Europe and Asia. |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-9 (USDA) |
| Perennial | Yes, it returns year after year with proper care. |
| Plantation Requirements | Well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Rich, loamy soil preferred. Plant root ball 2-3 inches below soil surface. Space plants 2-3 feet apart. Bush-like growth habit, may need support or staking. |
| Blooming Season | Late spring to early summer, with sporadic blooms continuing into early autumn. |
| Care Instructions | Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Water: Regular watering, consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging. Deep watering recommended. Fertilizer: Balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, high-potassium fertilizer for continuous blooming. Mulching: Organic mulch like bark chips, straw, or compost; keep mulch a few inches from plant base. Companion Planting: Suitable with roses, peonies, and other similar soil and sunlight requirement plants. Can be used in mixed borders or as a low-growing companion to taller plants. |
| Uses | Primarily ornamental for mixed borders, garden beds, and as a low-growing accent plant. No medicinal or culinary uses. |
| Propagation | Take cuttings or layer in early spring or late summer; ensure cuttings have at least one pair of leaves and a section of stem. |
| Problems and Solutions | – Pests: Aphids and spider mites; use insecticidal soap or neem oil.<br> – Diseases: Powdery mildew; ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering. |
| Special Facts | No specific associations with luck or feng-shui, but known for stunning blooms and unique growth habit. |
The Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis is a unique and beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With the right care, it will reward you with an abundance of charming, bell-shaped flowers year after year. Ready to add this beauty to your garden? Plant it today and enjoy the vibrant blooms and lush foliage it offers. Happy gardening!
Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
Follow Misty’s work and the latest gardening insights and updates on Pinterest. You can reach out to Misty at mistysblogging@gmail.com.