Clematis 'Beauty of Worchester' (Richard Smith & Co., 1886)

150-209-1 Clematis 'Beauty of Worchester' (Richard Smith & Co., 1886)
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	(Clematis 'Purpurea Elegans' x C. 'Countess of Lovelace') This classic blooms double or semi-double on the previous year's wood and single later on the current year's growth. The outer layer of sepals is red purple, the upper layers mid-blue with a hint of redness. The stamens are a dramatic pale yellow. Late spring to early summer; late summer to early fall. bloom 6-8 ft. Red Purple/Mid-blue flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 4-9*
Early flowering in the spring on the previous year's growth. If you hard prune, you eliminate most or all of the early blooms. Instead, groom this after flowering by cutting back the top one-third to one-half of some stems. This encourages new growth for possible summer bloom.