Clematis ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ is a highly regarded climbing vine, celebrated for its unique beauty and delightful fragrance. Also known as Clematis ‘Scented Clem’, it brings an exceptional sensory experience to any garden. Its appealing blue blossoms and noticeable sweet scent make it a popular choice among gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces. This plant offers a distinct charm, setting it apart from many other clematis varieties.
Key Characteristics
The ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis displays distinctive attributes that contribute to its appeal. Its flowers unfurl as bright periwinkle blue or lilac blue stars, gradually developing silvery-white central stripes as they mature. These striking blooms are further enhanced by a strong, sweet fragrance, often described as reminiscent of gardenias or almonds, which fills the air. The primary bloom period for ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ extends from late spring into early summer, typically from April to June. This vigorous deciduous climber can reach a mature height of 6 to 9 feet, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, making it an excellent choice for vertical garden elements. Its climbing habit makes it well-suited for training on trellises, arbors, or obelisks, adding vertical interest and a burst of color and scent.
Planting and Care Essentials
Sunlight
‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis thrives in locations that provide full sun to partial shade. It is often recommended to plant clematis where their “feet are in the shade and their heads are in the sun.” This means ensuring the roots remain cool and shaded, perhaps by surrounding the base with other plants or a layer of pebbles, while the foliage receives ample sunlight. Adequate sun exposure is important for robust bloom production, though some varieties can tolerate more shade.
Soil
This clematis prefers well-draining soil. An average garden soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH is generally suitable. Before planting, it is beneficial to improve the planting hole by incorporating a generous amount of well-rotted manure or garden compost. This amendment should be placed beneath the root ball to encourage deep root growth, helping the plant stay cool and hydrated during warmer months.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important. Regular watering is particularly important during dry spells and the plant’s initial establishment period. During periods of extreme heat or if the plant is grown in containers, weekly watering or more frequent irrigation may be necessary to maintain adequate soil moisture. Mulching around the base can help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ benefits from a consistent fertilization regimen. Applying a light, balanced fertilizer in spring, summer, and fall can provide the necessary nutrients. A fertilizer formula that is suitable for flowering vines, possibly higher in potassium, can encourage more abundant blooms. Ensure to follow the product’s instructions for application rates to avoid over-fertilization.
Providing Support
‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis requires a sturdy support structure to ascend. Trellises, arbors, obelisks, or even existing shrubs and trees can serve this purpose. It is important to gently train the young vines onto the chosen support as they grow, guiding them to climb effectively. This early guidance helps the plant establish its climbing habit and ensures a well-formed display of foliage and flowers.
Pruning for Health and Blooms
Pruning ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis is important for its health and abundant blooms. This variety is primarily categorized under Pruning Group 1, which means it flowers on old wood produced the previous year. Therefore, significant pruning is generally not required, and incorrect pruning can reduce flowering. The recommended approach is to prune after the main flush of flowers has finished, typically in late spring or early summer. This “tidy after flowering” method involves removing any dead or damaged stems. To maintain a neat and tidy shape, stems can be lightly cut back to about 2 to 4 feet each year. This minimal pruning helps to maintain the plant’s vigor and encourages healthy new growth that will bear flowers the following season.
Common Problems and Solutions
While ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis is wilt-resistant, common issues can arise. Wilting or dying back of shoots can sometimes occur due to factors other than clematis wilt, such as physical damage to stems, unsuitable growing conditions like hot or dry soil, or waterlogging. Ensure appropriate soil moisture and protect the plant from strong winds.
Pests such as aphids, slugs, snails, caterpillars, and earwigs can sometimes affect clematis. Regular inspection helps detect pests early, allowing for timely intervention with appropriate organic or chemical controls. Slugs and snails, in particular, may graze on young shoots, causing a silvery appearance. Lack of blooms can often be attributed to unsuitable growing conditions, such as insufficient sunlight or incorrect soil moisture, or improper pruning timing. Providing the right cultural conditions and adhering to the recommended pruning schedule will significantly contribute to a thriving and floriferous ‘Sugar Sweet Blue’ clematis.