Clematis viticella 'Betty Corning'

Romantic looking flared petals 2-2.5" across, sway at the ends of the long stems, an attractive and interesting flower that blooms generously midsummer to fall. Wonderful draping roses or other shrubs, or displayed on an arbor; all it requires is humus rich soil, supplied with a dressing of lime worked in, and regular water. Resists clematis wilt. Prune earliest spring if desired, as it blooms on new growth.

Slightly fragrant pale lavender bells of flowers adorn this unique selection from mid-summer into fall. Easy to grow and enjoy! Betty Corning most likely has Clematis crispa in its heritage but the exact cross with viticella is unknown. What is known for sure is its ability to bloom profusely all summer with delicate, pendulous blossoms that have a light, sweet fragrance. Viticella Hybrid. New York, 1932. This is a Group 3 (C) Clematis, which means it flowers later in summer and into fall in colder climates. In warmer climates it may begin blooming much sooner. Group 3 Clematis form flowers on new growth each year, so for the best display and neatest look they should be pruned back hard each spring to about two feet off the ground or even less if desired. However, if you are training one of these into a tree or onto an overhead arbor they should be left much longer. Look for fat, healthy buds on sturdy canes and make your cut just above them. Remove dead or damaged branches any time.

‘Betty Corning’ is a lovely lavender blue selection of Clematis viticella. She produces a display of nodding 3" flowers from mid-summer until early autumn. She isn't a wimp and can reach 12' or more, but her habit is more open, and she is best used where her grace can act as an accent to twine across and through early blooming shrubs for late season color. 'Betty' blooms on new growth, so take care of cutting back long tangled stems in late winter, early spring. Fall applications of limestone to keep the soil sweet isn't a bad idea.