Product Description
Clematis 'Rain Dance' PP33875 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Bush Clematis
We've done it again with a beautiful bush clematis from Walters Gardens hybridizing, this time with flowers as large as what you'd see on a vine clematis. Incredibly large (2½-3"), outward facing indigo blue flowers with darker midribs and lighter margins. Although this is a non-vining Clematis, the plant will benefit from support, either from staking, a garden obelisk, or from neighboring plants.
Clematis can be grown in full sun or light shade, but its base and roots must be completely shaded. You may need to plant something directly in front of its rootball to keep it cool and shaded. A thick layer of mulch will also help to keep the soil moist. Bush Clematis prefers to be grown in average, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Adding lime to the soil will help to provide these conditions if your soil is naturally acidic.
When planting clematis, it is important to plant it 3" deeper than it was in the original pot. Bury the first set of entire leaves to encourage the production of strong shoots from below soil level and to discourage clematis wilt.
Height: 42.0 Inches
Spread: 30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring to Midsummer, Rebloomer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Climbing, Cut Flower, Specimen, Focal Point
Clematis 'Rain Dance' is a unique and beautiful bush clematis that is sure to add a splash of vibrant color to your garden. Here is a breakdown of what makes it special:
- Non-Climbing Habit: Unlike most clematis varieties that are known for their vining growth, 'Rain Dance' is a bush clematis. This means it has an upright, mounding growth habit and does not require a trellis or support to climb. However, it may benefit from some support, especially when it is young or if it is grown in a windy location.
- Vibrant Blue Flowers: 'Rain Dance' produces an abundance of stunning indigo blue flowers with darker midribs and lighter margins. The flowers are large, reaching 2-3 inches in diameter, and they face outwards, displaying their beauty.
- Long Blooming Period: This clematis blooms profusely from late spring through summer, providing a long-lasting display of color. It may also produce a second flush of flowers in early fall.
- Compact Size: 'Rain Dance' typically grows to about 4 feet tall and 30 inches wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or for those who prefer a more compact plant.
- Versatile Use: It can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape, including as an accent plant, in borders, in containers, or even as a low hedge.
Here are some additional points to consider about Clematis 'Rain Dance':
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun to partial shade, but it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom well.
- Soil: It thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Watering: It needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, it does not like to sit in wet soil, so good drainage is essential.
- Pruning: It is a type 3 clematis, which means it blooms on new wood. Therefore, it should be pruned back hard in early spring to about 6 inches from the ground.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy in USDA zones 3-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Overall, Clematis 'Rain Dance' is a delightful and easy-to-grow clematis that will bring a burst of color to your garden. Its non-climbing habit, vibrant blue flowers, and long blooming period make it a great choice for any gardener.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
