Clematis Happy Birthday ('Zohapbi') (PBR)

clematis (group 3)

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained, neutral soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to September
• Flower colour: deep purple becoming paler with age
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  From midsummer to autumn, a sucession of deep purple flowers emerge from silvery buds, gradually fading and taking on a softer, bluish flush as they mature. When both new and old flowers are present on the plant it creates an attractive two-tone effect, which adds greater interest to the overall effect. It looks wonderful scrambling over an obelisk or arch and as it has a relatively compact habit, it is well suited to growing in a large pot.
  
  
• Garden care: In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground-level and apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant, avoiding the immediate crown.