H. F. Young Blue Clematis

Clematis ‘H. F. Young’ is a deciduous, large-flowered climber with broad star-shaped blooms in mauve-blue shades that age toward Wedgwood blue. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer, with a second flush in late summer to early autumn. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/81821/clematis-h-f-young-el/details) describes the flower color and mature size; [Norfolk Botanical Garden](https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nbg-2025-online-spring-plant-sale-catalog.pdf) also describes the cultivar’s large blue flowers. ## Flowers and placement The flowers have six sepals and pale yellow stamens, and may reach 15–18 cm across. Grow this cultivar on a trellis, fence, wall, or other support in full sun or partial shade. Moist but well-drained soil suits it; shade the root area with low planting or mulch to help keep it cool. ## Size and care Allow about 2.5–4 m of height and 0.5–1 m of spread at maturity. The Royal Horticultural Society lists a 2–5 year time to maturity. In spring, remove dead or weak growth and retain healthy stems for the next flowering cycle; avoid hard pruning unless needed to control the plant. ## Maintenance Water during dry periods, especially while establishing, and keep the root zone from drying out. Clematis may irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning.