What: Clematis “Little Duckling,” also known as Piilu, is a vine that is perfect for climbing on a garden trellis or placed in a container. Its blooming duration of five months make it a very desirable plant for color and vertical interest, plus it is a favorite of the hummingbirds. Its flowers are purplish-pink bordered with a darker pink-red stripe. It is one of the clematis that bloom from top to bottom as opposed to limiting its blooms to the top. Lavender or pink alyssum would make a beautiful underplanting for this clematis.
Sun or shade: Little Duckling will hold its colors longer if grown in part shade. A few hours of morning sun, followed by bright shade is ideal for extending the colors. This can be achieved by growing this vine in a tall shrub, a climbing rose or small tree.
Size: Reaches 6 feet at maturity.
See it: At the WSU Snohomish County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Jennings Memorial Park, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville.
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