Clematis 'Crystal Fountain' Starter Perennial. Shipped Trimmed and Ready to Plant.

Summary

Clematis 'Crystal Fountain' thrives in well-drained soil and requires a position with access to full sun or partial shade for optimal blooming. Special care includes routine pruning to promote healthy growth and flowering, with careful attention paid to its pruning group—this variety is typically in Group 2, meaning light pruning is best. Mulching and providing support for clematis 'Crystal Fountain''s climbing habit are also essential care practices.

Super Hardy Zones 4-9. Stunning Blooms.

The Deep Dive

The Crystal Fountain™ Clematis (Clematis 'Evipo038'PBR), also known as 'Fairy Blue', is a compact, deciduous climbing vine prized for its large, semi-double, lilac-blue flowers with a distinctive fountain-like center of silvery-mauve petaloid stamens. Here are its key characteristics:

• Appearance: Produces 4-5 inch (10-15 cm) violet-blue, semi-double flowers with a unique, frilly center resembling a fountain. The blooms appear in two waves: late spring to early summer (May-June) and late summer to early fall (September). The plant has mid-green, ovate leaves.
• Size: Grows to 4-8 feet tall (1.2-2.4 meters) and about 2-3 feet wide, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, trellises, arbors, or weaving through shrubs.
• Blooming: Known for its long bloom season, up to 5 months (June-September) under optimal conditions, with repeat flowering on both old and new wood.
• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, tolerating a range of climates.
• Care:
• Light: Prefers full sun to part shade for the foliage and flowers, with roots kept cool and shaded (e.g., by mulch, pebbles, or low-growing plants).
• Soil: Grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil. Plant the crown 3-4 inches below soil level to encourage new shoots.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season to establish roots. Avoid letting soil dry out.
• Fertilization: Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) in spring, followed by balanced 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Support: Needs a trellis, arbor, or other structure to climb.
• Pruning: Belongs to Pruning Group 2. Lightly prune in late winter/early spring to remove dead or weak stems, cutting back to healthy buds. After the first bloom, prune again to encourage a second flush by cutting back to large buds or strong side shoots. Optionally, hard prune every 3-4 years to 1-3 feet to rejuvenate.
• Pests/Diseases: May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, earwigs, clematis wilt, or slime flux. Resistant to powdery mildew in humid climates.
• Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits if ingested. Skin irritant; wear gloves when handling.
• Uses: Perfect for vertical interest in small gardens, patios, or containers. Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and is deer- and rabbit-resistant. Pairs well with golden-foliage shrubs or perennials like daylilies for contrast.