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 - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

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.

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)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: steel blue
Flowers: golden yellow sometimes with red-brown; has long central cone
Bloom time: early summer to early fall
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: long-headed coneflower, prairie coneflower, red-spike mexican-hat, yellow prairie coneflower