Rhapsody Blue Clematis

Clematis ‘Rhapsody’ is a compact large-flowered climber with sapphire-blue blooms that deepen toward a truer blue and contrast with pale stamens. It flowers over summer, with nursery listings extending the season from June into September. ## Garden use and growing conditions Train the vine on a trellis or obelisk, or grow it in a container with a support. Height estimates differ: Brushwood Nursery lists 8–10 feet, while Willowbrook lists 6–9 feet; allowing about 6–10 feet accommodates both descriptions. Willowbrook lists a 3–6-foot spread. Brushwood lists hardiness zones 4–9. Site the flowering growth in sun or partial shade and keep the root area cool and evenly moist. Clematis needs a narrow trellis or similar support that its leaf stalks can twine around. Brushwood places Rhapsody in pruning group 2; Willowbrook lists group 3. Check the supplied label before pruning so retained old growth is not cut away if it carries the early flowers. Sources: [Brushwood Nursery Rhapsody](https://www.brushwoodnursery.com/products/clematis-rhapsody), [Willowbrook Nurseries Rhapsody](https://willowbrooknurseries.com/plant-name/Clematis-Rhapsody), [RHS clematis growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/clematis/growing-guide). ## Maintenance Water during dry spells and keep container compost from drying out. Prune lightly according to the label's group and tie young stems loosely to their support.