Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Stand by Me Lavender Clematis: Bells That Match Your Lavender
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Stand by Me Lavender bush clematis is the lavender-flowered member of its series. Dark purple buds open into nodding, bell-shaped flowers in soft lavender purple, each with four thick, recurved sepals, from late May into midsummer, with more flowers later. Silky cream seed heads follow.
It is about as close as a clematis gets to matching lavender's color, which makes it a natural way to add height and a new flower shape to a lavender planting.
Stand by Me Lavender at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Clematis 'Stand by Me Lavender' |
| Flowers | Lavender-purple bells from dark purple buds, about 1.5 inches |
| Foliage | Medium green, broad and oval |
| Size | 34 to 38 inches tall, 2 to 3 feet wide |
| Bloom | Starts late May, peaks mid-June, more flowers later |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 7 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Wildlife | Good for pollinators; moderately deer resistant |
Same color, new shape
Most lavender companions bring contrast. This one brings harmony. Its lavender-purple bells repeat the color of the lavender bed, while the nodding, dangling shape is completely different from lavender's upright spikes. At about three feet tall it rises above most lavender, so planted just behind a row it adds a second layer of the same color. The dark purple buds, mixed among the open bells, give it depth.
Like the rest of its series, it likes the same sun as lavender but more regular water. Place it at the back edge of the lavender bed or in a neighboring cottage border where the soil is a bit richer and you can water it separately. It also suits large patio containers, where its leaning stems can drape over a small support. Sketch placement in the Companion Plant Planner.
Care through the year
- Support: it is non-vining and leans. Set a peony cage or stakes over it in spring, or plant it among sturdy neighbors.
- Water: regular, with mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist. Avoid spots that stay soggy.
- Heat: in hot, dry sites, afternoon shade helps.
- Airflow: spacing limits leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid weather.
- Winter: the stems die to the ground and the crown is hardy in Michigan in well-drained soil. Cut stems back to a few inches in late fall or early spring.
Non-vining clematis are much less affected by clematis wilt than large-flowered vines; root and crown rot in wet soil is the main risk. The sap can irritate skin, so gloves are a good idea.
Bells for the vase
The flowers are good for cutting, and a few lavender-purple bells arching out of a jar of fresh lavender make an elegant, monochrome bouquet. The fluffy seed heads are fair for drying.
Bare root format
Stand by Me Lavender is offered as a bare root plant. Set the crown just below the soil surface in well-drained ground and water it in. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Will it climb a trellis?
No. It is a bush clematis. It leans on supports and neighbors but does not twine or climb.
Does it bloom more than once?
Its main bloom runs from late May into midsummer, with more flowers appearing later in the season.
Is it safe for pets?
Clematis is considered toxic if eaten, so plant it where pets will not chew it.
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