Olympia Clematis

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Clematis is a climbing plant that brings height to the garden without dominating the scene. Boulevard Olympia clematis is even more adaptable because its height makes it a perfect companion for a pot on the patio. Blue flowers flow along the stem and from leaf axils to present quite the show, off and on in summer. Faint cream and magenta brush strokes add more beauty to the blue petals. After the flowers, fuzzy seed heads form for winter interest.

This clematis is from the famous British breeder Raymond Evison for use in patio containers. A perennial, woody vine, Boulevard Olympia gets 3 to 5 feet tall with a 2-foot spread. It can be grown in the ground where it can scamper up a shrub or trail among perennial companions. Hummers visit clematis, but the vine is deer and rabbit resistant. Snip a flower or two for indoor enjoyment.

Olympia Clematis Care

Grow in full sun (6+ hours) or part sun (4 to 6 hours). Plant the root ball of clematis so that the top is slightly below the soil surface. Clematis does best when given adequate water, especially during hot dry spells. There’s a saying about growing clematis…hot head, cool feet. It is common practice to shade the roots of clematis with other plants or mulch. Pruning group 2, which blooms on old and new wood each year and is considered re-blooming. In late winter or early spring, cut Boulevard Olympia back to about 6 inches from the ground.

Clematis climbs by wrapping its leaf stem, called petiole, around a structure. The trellis, obelisk or other accessory needs to be made of material ¾-inch or smaller in diameter so the plant can climb. For instance, if you want it to climb something like a 4x4-inch mailbox post, you will need to add chicken wire, hardware cloth, bamboo stakes or twine for the plant to climb.

Olympia Clematis Spacing

In a mixed container, use Boulevard Olympia as a thriller or use it singly, where it can grow up an obelisk or bamboo stakes. Under plant with summer annuals, if desired. In the ground, plant at the base of a trellis, obelisk or other structure for the clematis to climb.