There are disadvantages to having a shaded garden. Yet, this new cultivar of clematis has given a dark corner some real delight. Even without the flower, the contrasting yellow foliage is welcome in my garden.
![]()
![]()
.
 |
| Clematis alpina "Stolwijk" - Photo taken in early May. An early flowering clematis, with blue nodding blooms. |
 |
| They hold this shape for about 2 weeks. |
 |
| Then, when conditions are favourable - each bloom unfurls fully to reveal more beauty. |
 |
| As the flowers age, the centre swells and reveals a lovely tuft of feathery seed heads. The outer blue petals will fall off and the seed head remains, adding textural interest until the autumn. |