Brother Stefan Clematis

Brother Stefan® is Clematis ‘Stefan Franczak’, a deciduous climbing clematis with large, ruffled blue flowers. The blooms begin in early summer and continue through mid to late summer, and the vine can be trained across a trellis, rail, arbor, or pergola. ## Flowers and siting The [Proven Winners cultivar page](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/clematis/brother-stefan-clematis) lists a mature size of 5–7 feet tall by 4–6 feet wide, zones 4–9, and part-sun to sunny exposure. The [International Clematis Society cultivar profile](https://internationalclematissociety.org/clematis-stefan-franczak/) describes bright-blue flowers with a lighter bar through the center and wavy sepal edges. Give the climbing stems sturdy support and keep the root area cool while foliage receives sun. ## Growth This selection flowers on old and new wood. Moist, well-drained soil and good drainage support steady growth; avoid leaving the crown in saturated ground. ## Maintenance In early spring, prune to roughly 3 feet as directed in the [Proven Winners care notes](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/clematis/brother-stefan-clematis).