CLEMATIS ‘GENERAL SIKORSKI’

IT’S almost impossible not to love this large-flowered clematis. In late spring, huge, vivid blue-purple flowers are carried on last year’s stems. And new shoots that appear in summer must be allowed to develop. In early autumn, mature plants produce a second flush of blooms but are tough enough to endure September winds. The spidery seed heads are also attractive. General Sikorski needs cool, fertile soil to thrive. For maximum flowering, the top growth needs full light and shelter from the wind. Pruning is seldom necessary.