Mongolian Snowflakes (Clematis)

(24-36″ tall x 24-36″ wide) A superb shrub clematis, Mongolian Snowflakes (Clematis hexapetala) covers itself with a cloud of 2-inch ivory colored flowers for several months beginning in late spring. The flowers are followed by showy, shiny feathery seed clusters, which persist for many weeks. Unlike other clematis that have difficult-to-understand pruning regimes, you simply cut the plant to the ground in early to mid-spring, after which the plants grow vigorously to come into flower by late spring. Grows well in a variety of soil types and is xeric once established. Introduced to horticulture by the late, great prairie nurseryman, Harlan Hamernik who discovered the plant in Mongolia during one of his expeditions to that country. Good companion plants include Chamaebatiaria (Fernbush), Achnatherum calamagrostis (Silver Spike Grass) and blue European Salvia (Meadow Sage). Suitable to elevations up to 5200 feet. Introduced by Plant Select waterwise, garden-tested plants proven to thrive in the high plains and intermountain west for more beauty, with less work.