Clematis heracleifolia 'Alan Bloom'

Unlike most clematis varieties, Clematis heracleifolia 'Alan Bloom' is not a climber. Instead it forms bushy, shrub-like mounds of dark green foliage, from which masses of dark blue flowers appear in summer, followed by fluffy seedheads in autumn. It's perfect for growing towards the front of an herbaceous border, and works well among Japanese anemones or rudbeckias.

For best results grow Clematis heracleifolia 'Alan Bloom' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost. Falling into Pruning Group Three, pruning is easy: simply cut stems back to the lowest pair of buds in late autumn or early spring.