Blue Boy Clematis vs Upright Prairie Coneflower - TreeTime.ca

Blue Boy Clematis vs Upright Prairie Coneflower

Clematis integrifolia Blue Boy

Ratibida columnifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Blue Boy Clematis
Upright Prairie Coneflower

Blue Boy Clematis is a cold-hardy, fast growing, woody climbing vine. Hundreds of stunning steel-blue bell shaped flowers adorn the vine throughout the summer that droop and appear to hang in the air. The fibrous stems spread and create a fan-like symmetry shape.

This species will do best with support from a trellis, fence, or even other shrubs or tree stumps.

The Blue Boy Clematis was developed in Manitoba, Canada in 1947 by famous breeder Frank L. Skinner by crossing C. integrifolia x C. viticella, but it didn’t gain popularity until the 1990’s.

Upright Prairie Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant flowers, which range from golden yellow to dark rust-red with yellow edges. Rising on tall, slender stems, the flowers’ drooping petals surround a central cone. They bloom from midsummer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. After blooming, the florets on the cone eventually develop into seeds, which provide a food source for birds.

Its upright growth habit allows it to grow in clusters, creating a striking display. Due to its deep taproot, Upright Prairie Coneflower is drought tolerant, making it well suited to dry areas and xeriscape gardens. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, this wildflower is a great choice for adding vibrant color and ecological value to any landscape.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Blue Boy Clematis Quick Facts

Upright Prairie Coneflower Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: steel blue
Flowers: golden yellow sometimes with red-brown; has long central cone
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Other Names: long-headed coneflower, prairie coneflower, red-spike mexican-hat, yellow prairie coneflower