Clematis recta SERIOUS BLACK™
SERIOUS BLACK™ emerging in spring
Common Name: Bush Clematis
Also known as Clematis recta 'Lime Close'
Completely different than vining Clematis, SERIOUS BLACK™ is a bush type that it can stand up on its own but also is the perfect companion for taller perennials like Delphiniums which can be used for support. It is easily grown in decorative patio containers as well.
The name SERIOUS BLACK™ references its extraordinarily dark purple new foliage which matures to deep olive green.
In late spring to early summer, antique ivory colored blossoms about the size of a nickel appear in clusters reminiscent of Sweet Autumn Clematis. They often reappear in midsummer, blooming on the deep purple new growth, and silvery seed heads follow in fall. You can imagine how the light colored blossoms jump out against the dark foliage; the effect is stunning!
This selection is rather new and rare in the US, so we recommend ordering early to reserve your share.
A member of:
Group 2 - Early to midseason flowering cultivars and rebloomers
These varieties begin to bloom in early summer, with the first flush of flowers appearing on the previous year's growth. This is followed by a second flush flowers appearing on the new growth. These flowers will likely be smaller than the first ones and flowers that were double the first time may be single the second time.
The time to prune this group is in late winter or early spring. Dead and weak shoots should be removed and the remaining shoots cut back to 6-9 inches above a couple of well-developed buds.
