Clematis Rooguchi

(aka: Clematis 'Roguchi') Virtually anyone who has grown Clematis 'Rooguchi' agrees this 1988 hybrid, from breeder Kazushige Ozawa of Japan, is one of the finest bell-shaped clematis ever introduced. Starting in early May and continuing through September, this free-flowering Clematis integrifolia x durandii hybrid is covered with large, 2", cobalt blue bells...a hummingbird treat. Clematis 'Rooguchi' has an amazing range, growing equally as well in Minnesota as it does in Houston, Texas. Don't worry about pruning, since it is a perennial and will die to the ground each season. For us, Clematis 'Rooguchi' makes a 6' tall clambering vine...perfect for weaving through shrubs like a motorbike through a traffic jam. Maintenance: Clematis 'Rooguchi' is the perfect maintenance-free clematis. Since it dies to the ground each fall, simply throw the old stalks on the compost pile in the winter and that's it. You will need to have something for it to climb on during the growing season. Growing Conditions: Clematis 'Rooguchi' tolerates an incredible array of diverse growing conditions as we mentioned above. They key is well-drained soil, as clematis as a rule do not like waterlogged or wet soils. We grow ours in an un-irrigated bed, where it thrives, so regular moisture during the growing season is nice, but not really essential. Both alkaline to slightly acidic soils are fine, as are both sandy and clay soils. Full sun for at least 4-6 hours are needed for good flowering. Natural Impacts: Bees are a primary pollinator for clematis like Clematis 'Rooguchi'. Despite being pollinated, we have never seen a seed set, on what is almost certainly a sterile hybrid.