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Clematis x durandii boasts rich periwinkle blossoms with yellow eyes that nearly obliterate the foliage of this heirloom hybrid from early through late summer. Clematis are prized for their profuse display, but this French hybrid (developed around 1820 and related to the classic C. x jackmanii) is an overachiever, boasting 3- to 4-inch blooms that offer weeks of dazzling cut flowers.

For sensational blooms in almost all colors of the rainbow, few vines approach Clematis. Train them on arbors, grow against walls or fences, use for screening unsightly vistas, or to climb over stumps or poles. Grow them through taller shrubs such as Roses or Viburnums, or through Dogwood trees. Clematis also makes a lovely container plant. Float a few blooms in a bowl of water for a lovely table centerpiece.

C. x durandii reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and blooms all summer. For heaviest flowering, prune back to 12 inches from the ground in early spring. (Pruning Group 3.) Zones 5-9.