Clematis ‘Copernicus’

A lovely Clematis with large, semi-double flowers of bright blue, opening flat to reveal lighter centres. The flowers are produced generously through summer, beginning on the growth made the previous season and continuing on the new shoots. This gives ‘Copernicus’ a long and rewarding display, with a second flush of flowers possible later in the season.

An elegant climber growing to around 1.5–2m, it is particularly beautiful allowed to wind through a rose or shrub, or trained over a pergola, fence or other garden structure. The vivid blue flowers bring a cool note to summer plantings and are equally effective against foliage or amongst softer-coloured flowers.

‘Copernicus’ belongs to the Early Large-flowered Group and is Pruning Group 2. It should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak growth and cutting back to a pair of strong buds where necessary. A light trim after the first flush of flowers can encourage further flowering. Give the slender stems a fine support such as trellis, wire or twine to wind around, and grow in good soil in a sunny position with adequate moisture during dry weather.

Pruning Group 2