This question was asked by
- Kay

Hello - you've been highly recommened to me by a friend. I'd like to buy 2 clematis (one early flowering, one late) to grow over a little archway. They would be in part-shade (getting some morning and late evening sun), and the soil is heavy clay in a raised bed (although I will improve it with compost), and we get a lot of rain (Wales). I would prefer a blue flower if possible. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, thank-you! Kay

Hi Kay, sorry for the late reply, you would firstly need to improve the soil as they wont grow in heavy clay I'm afraid as if their roots are sat in water they rot off.

so lets imagine you have nice free draining soil, I would go for a nice little blue alpina or macropetala for your early flower ( probably look at blue dancer or the straight forward species macropetala - see links below)

then something like blue angel or prince Charles for your summer colour.

hope this helps





Blue Dancer



macropetala



Blue Angel



Prince Charles