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Perennial climbing plants
Ranunculaceae
Compact lavender-blue clematis for partial shade
Bernadine clematis
Clematis ‘Evipo061’
Bernadine™ is a compact exceptionally free-flowering clematis with blooms 8 to 10 cm across. Six to eight sepals open blush purple with pinker midveins, then mature to very pale lavender-blue around white stamens and maroon connectives. Flowering can continue from late spring into early autumn. With a usual height of 90 to 120 cm, this Boulevard® climber suits large containers, patios, obelisks and smaller gardens. Partial shade preserves the fresh pale tones, while annual pruning to approximately 15 cm renews the dense habit and returns flowers close to eye level for an extended, easily maintained seasonal display. beside shaded outdoor living areas.
- Exposure
- Partial shade; any aspect providing gentle light
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 9
Discover the plant
Common nameBernadine clematis
FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusClematis
SpeciesGarden hybrids
CultivarEvipo061 (Bernadine; also marketed as Bernardine)
TypePerennial climbing plants
Botanical nameClematis ‘Evipo061’
Bernadine™ Clematis (Clematis ‘Evipo061’) is a compact Boulevard® climber recognized for exceptionally free flowering. Its flat or nearly flat blooms measure 8 to 10 cm across; they are generally wider in spring and become slightly smaller as the season advances. Six to eight sepals open blush purple, appearing pinker along the midveins, then mature to very pale lavender-blue. White filaments and anthers surround maroon connectives that provide clear contrast at the centre. Upward- or outward-facing flowers brighten partially shaded positions especially well and create a refined display that remains easy to appreciate beside patios, entrances and outdoor dining areas.
Bernadine generally reaches 90 to 120 cm according to the breeder, with potential to approach 150 cm under very favourable conditions. Its dense habit suits smaller gardens, large containers, patios, obelisks, lower trellises and outdoor dining areas. Partial shade is recommended in any aspect when the plant receives gentle light and good air circulation. Choose fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil. Set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface and keep roots cool with light mulch, flat stones or a low perennial that does not cover the base. Install support before planting and guide fresh shoots with loose ties as growth develops.
Flowering can extend from late spring into early autumn, with a succession of blooms on older wood and then on fresh shoots. For the breeder’s simple method, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level in late winter or early spring. This short pruning renews the compact framework and brings flowers close to the base. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, especially in containers, and feed moderately in spring. Every clematis is toxic when eaten and its sap may irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves during pruning and collect plant debris promptly. Keep the crown accessible for regular inspection throughout active growth.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Approximately 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) between crowns
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings or layering; commercial propagation may be restricted
Growing method
Plant Bernadine™ in partial shade in fertile, organic-rich soil that remains moist yet drains well. Dig a hole wider than the root ball and set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface to encourage replacement stems. Install an obelisk or smaller trellis before planting and position the crown away from a wall so rainfall reaches the roots. Water deeply after planting, then maintain consistent moisture without saturation. Light mulch or flat stones keep roots cool without covering the base. Guide fresh stems with loose ties. In spring, add compost or balanced fertilizer. After an early wave, light feeding and steady watering can support flowers into early autumn. Pale tones show especially well against dark foliage. Inspect the crown and shoots regularly for slugs, aphids or sudden wilt. Good air circulation helps foliage dry after rain, while shelter protects the many flowers from severe wind damage. During hot periods, direct water toward the base rather than the flowers and space stems to encourage air circulation. Remove only damaged material so the abundant outdoor display remains balanced. Check ties after strong winds, replace any worn component and move shifted mulch away from the crown so emerging shoots remain visible.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to alkaline
Minimum temperature
-34 °C (-29 °F)
Care level
Intermediate
Watering
Water deeply and regularly during establishment so the root ball stays evenly moist without becoming saturated. In hot weather, check containers and plants growing beside walls more often because these sites dry quickly. Direct water toward the base instead of wetting foliage. Established clematis still perform best with consistent moisture and should not be treated as highly drought tolerant, especially while actively extending and flowering.
Soil type
Fertile, organic-rich soil that holds moisture yet drains well suits Bernadine™. Loam, clay, sand or chalk-based soil can work when excess water drains effectively. Mature compost improves moisture retention without leaving the crown waterlogged. Avoid sites where winter water collects, and keep the root zone cool during summer. Beside a wall, position the crown far enough from the foundation for rainfall to reach the roots instead of disappearing beneath an overhang.
Fertilization
In spring, add mature compost or apply a balanced fertilizer according to label directions. A second light feeding after the first flush can support Bernadine™ repeat bloom. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Water before and after feeding, then stop fertilizing early enough for stems to mature before winter. In containers, use smaller applications when needed because nutrients leach more quickly with frequent watering.
Moisture
Moist soil without standing water
Seasonal care
In late winter or early spring, cut every Bernadine™ stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level, just above strong buds. This simple breeder-recommended method renews the compact framework and encourages abundant flowers near the base. Wear gloves and use clean pruners because sap can irritate skin. Replace worn ties and check support stability. In spring, renew a thin layer of compost and begin regular watering as growth accelerates. Protect fresh shoots from slugs. During flowering, remove only damaged material. After the first wave, light feeding and steady moisture support fresh blooms into early autumn. Check containers daily during hot weather. Monitor aphids and remove any stem that wilts suddenly. In fall, collect diseased foliage and inspect drainage. In cold climates, protect pots from wind and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the crown visible and accessible throughout the year so emerging shoots, moisture and plant health can be monitored quickly. As growth begins, distribute young stems across support without tightening ties. During rainy periods, space shoots to improve air circulation. After severe heat, water slowly until the entire root ball is moist. Direct water toward the soil rather than pale flowers. When renewing mulch, leave a clear ring around the crown. These simple actions support regular bloom and balanced growth throughout the season. Check container supports and drainage after storms, and replace any tie that rubs against thickening stems. Continue observing moisture until dormancy because a dense plant can still dry quickly after autumn winds.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 50 cm (20 in) deep and wide
Bernadine™ is especially well suited to large containers because it remains 90 to 120 cm tall. Choose a frost-resistant pot at least 45 to 50 cm deep and wide with several drainage holes. Install a stable obelisk before filling the container. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged and set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface. Position the pot in partial shade, where blush-purple flowers that mature very pale lavender-blue remain fresh. Distribute stems with loose ties. Check moisture daily during hot periods and feed moderately in spring. Light feeding after an early wave can support repeat bloom. In late winter, cut stems back to approximately 15 cm. In cold climates, raise the pot, protect its sides and shelter it from wind without moving the dormant plant into a heated room. Keep drainage openings clear during winter thaws and leave the crown visible for inspection. Rotate a movable container periodically for balanced gentle light and inspect ties after strong winds. Keep the crown visible when renewing mulch and leave enough space around the pot for watering without awkward reaching. Empty standing water from saucers and direct excess drainage away from walking surfaces. Replace any support component that begins to bend under dense flowering growth.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft); potentially to 150 cm in favourable conditions
Width / spread
Approximately 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 in)
Flower color
Blush purple maturing to very pale lavender-blue
Foliage color
Vibrant green, deciduous
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate to fast
Growth habit
Compact, dense and exceptionally free-flowering climber
Fragrance
Not fragrant
Bloom period
Bernadine™ carries many flat or nearly flat flowers 8 to 10 cm across. Six to eight sepals open blush purple, appearing pinker along the midveins, then mature to very pale lavender-blue. Filaments and anthers are white, while connectives are maroon. Flowering can extend from late spring into early autumn on older wood and then fresh shoots, creating a long luminous display in partial shade.
Fruiting
Achenes with decorative feathery styles late in the season
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Bernadine™ with purple coral bells, deep-green ferns, blue-green hostas or shrubs carrying bronze foliage. These deeper colours highlight blush-purple flowers as they mature very pale lavender-blue in partial shade. Low perennials can keep soil cool, but preserve clear space around the crown for watering and pruning. Avoid overly vigorous plants or aggressive roots that could reduce available moisture. Several white or deep-blue flowers create complementary contrast without hiding the clematis or restricting access to compact emerging stems. Leave enough room to inspect and guide emerging stems safely.
Plants to avoid
Avoid highly invasive plants or aggressive roots immediately around the crowns
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How should Bernadine clematis be pruned?
For Raymond Evison’s simple method, cut every Bernadine™ stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level in late winter or early spring, just above healthy buds. This short pruning renews the compact habit and encourages flowers near the base. Another option is Group 2 pruning: remove dead or weak stems, then shorten the others to vigorous buds so more older wood remains for the earliest flowers. Use clean pruners, wear gloves and collect debris because clematis sap may irritate skin. Inspect the support afterward, replace worn ties and spread fresh shoots loosely before they become intertwined during rapid spring growth.
Why do Bernadine clematis flowers change colour?
Bernadine™ flowers open blush purple, appearing pinker along the midveins, then gradually mature to very pale lavender-blue. Each bloom measures 8 to 10 cm across and presents six to eight sepals around white filaments and anthers with maroon connectives. Flowers are often wider in spring and slightly smaller later in the season. This natural development allows several shades to appear together on an exceptionally free-flowering plant. Partial shade protects pale tones from overly intense light. Spread stems across support and use darker foliage nearby to distinguish every stage clearly. Consistent moisture also helps flowers develop evenly without premature stress during hot weather.
Does Bernadine clematis suit containers?
Yes. Bernadine™ suits a large frost-resistant container at least 45 to 50 cm deep and wide, fitted with several drainage holes and a stable obelisk. Its usual height of 90 to 120 cm in the compact form creates a strong vertical display without becoming imposing on a terrace. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface, then water until excess drains freely. Check moisture daily during hot weather. In winter, shelter the pot from wind, insulate its sides and raise it to prevent standing water and repeated freeze-thaw cycles around the roots.
What site suits Bernadine clematis?
Choose partial shade in any aspect that provides gentle, consistent light. Bernadine™ was selected for shadier parts of the garden, where white, faintly pink-flushed blooms stand out against darker foliage. Soil should be fertile, organic-rich, moisture-retentive and well drained. Position the crown 30 to 60 cm away from a foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. Light mulch, flat stones or a low companion keeps soil cool without covering the base. Install support before planting and preserve easy access to strong stems if several flowers will be cut for indoor arrangements. Good air circulation helps foliage dry after rain without exposing pale blooms to severe winds.
Is Bernadine clematis toxic?
Yes. Like other clematis, Bernadine™ contains protoanemonin and is toxic to dogs, cats and horses when eaten. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. In people, plant material may cause severe mouth irritation, while sap can irritate sensitive skin. Wear gloves for pruning, wash exposed skin and never present any part as edible. Position the plant away from young children and pets that chew garden plants, and collect cut stems promptly after maintenance. If ingestion occurs or symptoms appear, contact an appropriate medical professional or veterinarian promptly. Do not attempt home treatment unless a qualified professional provides specific instructions for the situation.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Clematis flowers can be visited by bees and other insects seeking pollen, and some also supply nectar. The specific wildlife value of Bernadine™ may vary by region and the availability of other flowers. It is therefore presented as useful to pollinating insects without promising special attraction for butterflies or hummingbirds. Avoid spraying open flowers when pollinators are active.