Blue Bird Clematis

Blue Bird is a deciduous clematis in the macropetala group, with nodding, semi-double lavender-blue flowers. The bell-shaped blooms have narrow, twisted outer tepals around a pale inner skirt and creamy-white stamens. It flowers mainly on growth from the previous year, so it brings color early in the clematis season. ## Flowers and placement The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/29433/clematis-macropetala-blue-bird/details) gives a mature height of 2.5–4 m and spread of 1.5–2.5 m, with flowering in mid to late spring and occasional late-summer flowers. It grows in full sun or partial shade and suits a wall, fence, border support, or a large container. ## Maintenance This Atragene Group clematis flowers mainly on old wood. The RHS advises pruning group 1: tidy only if needed, immediately after flowering. Keep the roots cool in moist, well-drained soil and avoid cutting back healthy stems before spring bloom.