Combine two popular garden trends: climbing vines and vertical gardening. Vines may grow on a trellis or allow them to weave through an existing shrub or tree. In a small garden this can be a space saver. In the world of clematis, the cultivar Rooguchi, aka Roguchi, (Clematis integrifolia x C. reticulata) has become increasingly popular (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). This hybrid selection is from Japan.

Rooguchi’s flowers are not the typical star-shape clematis. A hundred or more bell-shaped blooms may be open on an established vine at any one time. The 1 to 2 ½ inch violet purple flowers appear from late May through September. Clematis seed heads can be quite showy. The bell flowers hang downward (pendant). The bell’s rim flairs outward into four distinct lobes.

Rooguchi is an herbaceous perennial that lives for many years when properly cared for. Plant it in a compost rich soil with adequate moisture and partial sunlight. In zones 4-6 it handles full day sunlight, but further south, protection from harsh afternoon summer sun is warranted. Mulching around the base of the vine helps to moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture.

Allow Rooguchi clematis to weave through a Japanese maple, rose bush, or any open branched deciduous plant. Let it ramble along the ground. You may tie it to a wire or wooden trellis for vertical support. Leaf petioles wrap around a wire or lath trellis for added support.

A 2- year old trellised vine grows 6 to 8 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide over the summer. It flowers on new growth. Prune this vigorous vine aggressively in late winter (Pruning Group 3), sharply cutting it back to its main branches or to a few strong buds near the ground.