Compact purple-blue clematis for patios

Lindsay clematis

Clematis ‘EvisGsy152’

Lindsay™ is a compact clematis selected for large 12 to 14 cm deep purple-blue star-shaped flowers with red anthers. Blooms cover the plant from base to stem tips in May, June and July, then return in September. Reaching 90 to 120 cm, this climber suits patios, smaller gardens, borders and large containers. Stable support, fertile moisture-retentive soil and annual pruning to approximately 15 cm maintain a dense manageable habit that fits easily beside terraces, entrances and outdoor dining areas where the full-height flower display remains easy to appreciate. The saturated flowers remain easy to appreciate from nearby seating and against neutral walls or dark garden backgrounds.
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Exposure
Any aspect; full sun to partial shade
Hardiness
Zone 4 to 9

Discover the plant

Common nameLindsay clematis
FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusClematis
SpeciesGarden hybrids
CultivarEvisGsy152 (Lindsay)
TypePerennial climbing plants
Botanical nameClematis ‘EvisGsy152’

Lindsay™ Clematis (Clematis ‘EvisGsy152’) is a compact climber bred by Raymond Evison and named in recognition of Lindsay Reid. Its large 12 to 14 cm star-shaped flowers display deep purple-blue colouring with complementary red anthers. Blooms cover the plant from base to stem tips, creating a generous display over the full height. Vibrant deciduous green foliage provides a bright background that intensifies the colour. This recent selection is especially suitable for patios, smaller gardens, borders and large containers beside outdoor living areas where flowers remain visible from nearby seating and garden paths.

Lindsay generally reaches 90 to 120 cm tall and spreads approximately 50 to 100 cm. It accepts full sun or partial shade and adapts to any aspect. Plant it in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil, setting the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface. Install a smaller trellis, obelisk or fine wires immediately so leaf stalks can grasp the support. Light mulch keeps roots cool without covering the crown. In containers, monitor moisture more often and shelter the large flowers from strong drying winds during especially hot and windy weather.

Flowers appear in May, June and July, followed by repeat bloom in September. In late winter or early spring, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level. This simple pruning renews the compact framework and encourages flowers close to the base. Water deeply whenever the soil surface begins to dry and feed moderately in spring. Every clematis is toxic when eaten, and sap may irritate sensitive skin; wear gloves during pruning and keep cut plant parts away from children and pets in nearby accessible outdoor garden spaces.

Lindsay™ Clematis (<em>Clematis</em> ‘EvisGsy152’)

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density Approximately 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 in) between crowns
Best planting time Spring or early fall
Propagation Semi-ripe cuttings or layering; commercial propagation may be restricted
Growing method
Plant Lindsay™ in fertile, organic-rich, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Set the crown 5 to 8 cm below the surface and immediately install a smaller trellis, obelisk or fine wires. Water deeply whenever the surface begins to dry, then add light mulch without covering the crown. Fan out new shoots while they remain flexible and loosen ties as stems thicken. In late winter or early spring, cut every stem back to approximately 15 cm above healthy buds. Add mature compost in spring and feed moderately without excessive nitrogen. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting. Check container moisture more often, shelter the pot from strong wind and protect it from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. After the first bloom, maintain even moisture to support repeat flowering rather than shortening fresh stems severely. Beside a wall, position the crown away from the foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. After windy weather, redirect loose shoots before they break. Leave several feathery seed heads in fall, then stop feeding so stems can mature before cold weather. Remove fallen diseased leaves, inspect drainage after prolonged rain and never leave a container standing in water. Resume spring watering gradually as buds swell, and protect tender shoots from severe late frost and slug damage.

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 Lindsay™. 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 Lindsay™ 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 Lindsay™ stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level, just above vigorous buds. Wear gloves and use clean pruners because clematis sap may irritate skin. Remove debris, inspect the support and replace worn ties before growth resumes. In spring, add mature compost and renew light mulch without covering the crown. Fan out new shoots while they remain flexible. Water deeply whenever the surface dries, especially in containers. Moderate balanced feeding supports flowering, whereas excessive nitrogen mainly produces foliage. After the first flush, keep soil consistently moist to encourage repeat bloom. Watch for slugs, aphids and sudden wilting. Stop feeding in fall and leave several feathery seed heads for texture. In cold regions, insulate containers and prevent winter water from collecting around the crown. During prolonged rain, inspect drainage and remove diseased leaves that have fallen onto the soil. After windy weather, redirect loose shoots before they break. If growth becomes excessively dense, thin several weak stems instead of shortening the entire plant while buds are forming. Spent flowers may be removed for a tidier appearance, but leave several if feathery seed heads are desired. Check moisture beneath mulch rather than judging only its dry surface. As spring returns, resume watering gradually and protect tender shoots from slugs and severe late frost. Container plants may warm and begin growth earlier than garden plants, so continue monitoring exposed stems during rapid temperature changes. Rotate the pot occasionally for balanced light and confirm that drainage remains open after every extended wet period.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

At least 50 cm (20 in) deep and wide
Lindsay™ is especially well suited to containers because it remains 90 to 120 cm tall. Use a frost-resistant pot at least 50 cm deep and wide with several drainage holes. Install a stable obelisk before planting, then fill the container with rich potting mix that holds moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown slightly deeper than it grew in the production pot. Water slowly until excess drains freely, then check moisture daily during hot weather. A thin mulch layer limits evaporation without trapping water against stems. Feed moderately in spring and after the first flush. Before winter, move the pot to a sheltered location, insulate its sides and raise it so drainage remains open. In spring, replace the upper layer of mix and confirm that the support remains stable before new shoots lengthen. Rotate the pot periodically so all shoots receive balanced light. Never leave the container standing in a water-filled saucer, and check that drainage holes remain open after prolonged rain. During summer, water preferably in the morning and direct moisture toward the potting mix rather than foliage. A thin layer of compost in spring renews organic matter without reducing watering space. Loosen ties that begin marking stems, and remove any suddenly wilted shoot promptly with disinfected tools. Shelter large flowers from severe wind, and keep the crown visible so new spring growth can be monitored easily.
Lindsay™ Clematis (Clematis ‘EvisGsy152’)

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 in)

Flower color

Deep purple-blue with red anthers

Foliage color

Vibrant green, deciduous

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate to fast

Growth habit

Compact, dense and bushy climber

Fragrance

Not fragrant

Bloom period

Lindsay™ produces large 12 to 14 cm deep purple-blue star-shaped flowers with red anthers. Blooms cover the plant from base to stem tips in May, June and July. A fresh flowering wave appears in September. Short pruning in late winter, consistent watering and moderate feeding support this abundant display and keep flowers distributed close to eye level throughout the compact framework.

Fruiting

Achenes with decorative feathery styles late in the season
Lindsay™ Clematis (Clematis ‘EvisGsy152’)

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Pair Lindsay™ with low perennials that shade the soil lightly without invading the crown, such as coral bells, hardy geraniums, catmints or small ornamental grasses. dark-plum foliage repeats the deep purple-blue sepals, while dark-green leaves emphasize deep purple-blue. White or pale-pink annuals in neighbouring containers extend the palette. Keep clear space around the base for watering, air circulation and pruning. Avoid vigorous plants or aggressive roots that could reduce available moisture or hide emerging clematis shoots in spring. Choose companions with similar light needs.

Plants to avoid

Avoid highly invasive plants or aggressive roots immediately around the crowns

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How should Lindsay clematis be pruned?
In late winter or early spring, before active growth resumes, cut every Lindsay™ stem back to approximately 15 cm above soil level, just above healthy buds. This short pruning renews the compact habit and stimulates flowering shoots from the base. Use clean pruners, wear gloves and collect debris because clematis sap may irritate skin. Inspect the smaller trellis or obelisk afterward and replace worn ties. When new stems appear, spread them in a fan and tie them loosely before they intertwine. Add light mulch without covering the crown, then resume consistent watering as growth accelerates and flowering shoots begin covering the support.
What flower colour and form does the clematis Lindsay have?
Lindsay™ produces large 12 to 14 cm star-shaped flowers in deep purple-blue. Red anthers create warm contrast at the centre of every bloom. Flowers appear from the base to stem tips, providing generous coverage over the full height. To appreciate them, fan out fresh shoots over a smaller support. Vibrant deciduous green foliage creates a bright background. A charcoal container, dark fence or companion plants with silver, lime or plum foliage emphasize the colour without competing heavily for clematis root moisture during either flowering period. The saturated flowers also remain highly visible from nearby paths, entrances and comfortable patio seating areas.
Does Lindsay clematis suit containers?
Yes. Lindsay™ suits a large frost-resistant container at least 50 cm deep and wide, fitted with several drainage holes and a stable obelisk. Its usual height of 90 to 120 cm creates a strong vertical display on a terrace or beside an entrance. Use rich potting mix that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged. Set the crown slightly deeper than it grew in the production pot, then water until excess drains freely. Check moisture daily during hot weather. In winter, shelter the container from wind, insulate its sides and raise it to prevent standing water and repeated freeze-thaw cycles around the roots.
What site suits Lindsay clematis?
Choose full sun or partial shade, favouring good light for the strongest purple-blue colour. Lindsay™ accepts different aspects, although flowers may appear deeper blue under some less sunny conditions. Soil should be fertile, moisture-retentive yet well drained. Position the crown 30 to 60 cm away from a foundation so rainfall reaches the roots. Light mulch or a low companion keeps the root zone cool without covering the crown. Install a trellis, arch or obelisk before planting and preserve easy access to the base for watering and annual pruning. Good air circulation helps foliage dry after rain. Maintain open airflow. Check regularly.
Is Lindsay clematis toxic?
Yes. Like other clematis, Lindsay™ 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 Lindsay™ 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.