Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Rain Dance Bush Clematis: Indigo Stars Rising Behind Lavender
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Rain Dance bush clematis is a clematis that does not climb. Instead of twining up a trellis, its slender stems grow into an upright, shrubby clump about 3.5 feet tall. The flowers are the surprise: 2.5 to 3 inches across, which is unusually large for a bush type, in indigo blue with a darker stripe down each sepal and pale cream stamens in the center.
Rain Dance at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Clematis 'Rain Dance' |
| Flowers | Indigo blue, 2.5 to 3 inches, with darker midribs and lighter edges |
| Habit | Upright, shrubby and non-vining; needs something to lean on |
| Size | About 42 inches tall and 30 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks late June, with more flowers later |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 7 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Deer | Moderately resistant |
Blue behind purple
The best place for Rain Dance in a lavender garden is just behind it. Its June flowers rise on a support above the lavender mounds, so you get deep indigo stars floating over purple spikes right as the lavender comes into bloom. The forms are different enough to look intentional: lavender is fine and spiky, the clematis open and starry.
The one compromise is water. Clematis like cool, evenly moist roots, while lavender wants its crown dry. Leave a little distance between them, mulch only the clematis root zone and water it there rather than over the whole bed. Work out the spacing in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and support
- Site: full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil. Afternoon shade helps in hot, dry spots.
- Planting: set the dormant bare root crown in spring and water it in well.
- Support: put a small obelisk, a peony ring or a few stakes in place early, before the stems flop. A sturdy shrub neighbor works too.
- Water: regularly, especially the first summer, with mulch over the roots to keep them cool.
- More flowers: trim spent stems after the first flush to encourage new buds.
Winter and spring cleanup
Rain Dance is herbaceous, so the stems die back to the ground each winter and regrow from the crown. Cut them down to a few inches in late fall or early spring. Bush clematis like this are much less troubled by clematis wilt than the big climbing types; the main risk is crown rot in soggy soil, so good drainage matters here too.
Frequently asked questions
Will it climb a trellis?
No. The stems do not twine. You can tie them loosely to a support, but it is happiest leaning on a short frame or neighboring plants.
Is it good for cutting?
Yes. It rates well as a cut flower, and a few indigo stems with fresh lavender make a striking small arrangement.
Is it safe for pets?
Clematis is considered toxic if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Wear gloves when cutting it back.
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