Boulevard® Kitty™ Clematis

The Boulevard® Clematis line grows sturdy and dense while retaining the dramatically large flowers that you have come to expect. Kitty™ Clematis was released in 2017 for the world-famous Chelsea Garden Show and has been a favorite ever since. The giant, almost white flowers have elegantly colored purple stamens that bloom nonstop from late spring to the fall and are perfect for playing the thriller role in a seasonal mixed planter. The lush foliage and restrained growth habit of Kitty™ make this clematis easy to grow with little support needed. Although the large flowers would seem to entice deer, clematises are rarely browsed in areas with moderate deer populations. Boulevard® Clematis is also highly resistant to the typical pests and diseases that plague other types of climbing vines. All Boulevard® Clematises are in pruning group 3 and only need pruning once a season. Boulevard® Kitty™ Clematis Care Boulevard® Kitty™ Clematis thrives in a location with well-draining soil and full sun, although it accepts partial shade, especially in hot climates. Clematis grows best with its roots shaded by either other shallow-rooted perennials or shrubs. Garden-grown clematises will benefit from an application of a granular tomato or rose fertilizer early in the spring and again early in the summer. Container-grown plants will need good drainage from the pot and the potting mix. Use a peat-free mix that has perlite or vermiculite added for drainage and moisture retention. Fertilize with a diluted liquid feed to replace nutrients that are lost through watering. A fish emulsion or liquid seaweed fertilizer will support steady growth and continuous blooming. Pruning for a group 3 clematis is the easiest of all the groups. No deadheading is required to keep the plant blooming. Cut back growth to within 6-8 inches from the soil in late winter, which sets the stage for a season of vigorous regrowth. Make sure to make clean cuts just above developing buds to keep the overall shape compact and dense. Clematises appreciate regular mulching with organic materials like compost or finely shredded arborist chips, which helps to suppress weeds, enrich the soil, and keep the root zone cool. Boulevard® Kitty™ Clematis Spacing The mounded, upright shape of Boulevard® Kitty™ Clematis is perfect for adding color and texture to even the smallest garden or patio. The overall height is a compact 3-4 feet with a spread of 3-4 feet. Containers will need to have at least a 12-inch diameter to grow Kitty™ as a specimen. Larger planters are perfect for growing Kitty™ as a thriller element with 3 or more shallow-rooted plants used as spillers and fillers.