Clematis integrifolia 'Caerulea'

Bushy Blue Bell Clematis

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet (herbaceous, non-climbing)
Width: Varies with spread
Flower color: Blue-violet, nodding, bell-shaped
Foliage color: Green, lance-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid-summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune dead stems in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators

About this plant

Clematis integrifolia 'Caerulea' is an herbaceous, non-climbing clematis known for its beautiful, nodding, bell-shaped flowers. These delicate blooms, which are a soft, blue to violet color, appear from late spring through early summer. The petals have a slightly recurved tip, giving them a graceful, downward-facing appearance. Unlike climbing clematis, this variety grows more like a small shrub, with arching stems that create a bushy habit.

Native to Europe and Asia, 'Caerulea' is often grown for its unique shape and striking blue flowers, which stand out against its green foliage. The plant's compact, mounding growth makes it a great choice for borders, containers, or informal cottage gardens. After blooming, it produces decorative seed heads that add texture and interest to the garden well into the fall.

Works well in

Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen in the Oregon display garden at Monrovia.