Clematis Boulevard® Ravel™

Clematis Boulevard® Ravel™ is a deciduous climbing vine that blooms heavily and repeat blooms from late spring through late summer, setting an abundance of purple-blue flowers with a dark purple center. Showcased against a backdrop of medium green leaves, they make lovely cut flowers.

Clematis Boulevard Ravel has a vining habit and grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet tall. Train clematis to climb a trellis, arbor, post, or fence, adding vertical gardening interest. Grow Clematis Ravel in a container or allow it to amble along the ground in mixed beds, where it will meander gracefully through the shrubbery. It can also be paired with a climbing rose. The nimble clematis vines will twine their way around the sturdy rose stalks, and the two will elegantly mingle blooms in the early season, but the clematis will carry it through the heat of summer, and the rose will pick up again in fall as the clematis' blooms fade.

Clematis is easy to grow, but good site selection is key to success. Clematis should be placed in a location where the leaves get plenty of sunshine (approx. 6 hours) but the roots are kept shaded and cool, either by low-growing, evergreen shrubs or by heavy mulch. Clematis Ravel is cold hardy to Zone 4. It grows best in locations with moist, well-draining soil and good air circulation.

A Group 3 late-flowering clematis (blooms on new wood in the summer and fall; dies to the ground over winter), Clematis Ravel should be pruned hard before new growth appears in late winter to remove dead or weak, spindly stems and to make way for the new growth. Cut back to 2 feet or just above pairs of healthy, swelling leaf buds. If training to climb, loosely tie the vines to their structure at this time. It can be pruned again after the first flush of flowers in early summer, cutting back to large buds, to promote a second flush of flowers, but deadheading is unnecessary. This group has to re-grow to their mature size each summer, so they tend to be the last to flower.

Knowing the type of clematis vine you have will help you cultivate vibrant and healthy clematis plants. Follow our expert advice that includes Clematis Planting and General Care as well as How to Prune Clematis with instructions for each type of clematis vine. Using these growing tips will ensure a stunning display in your garden season after season.