A new and distinct Clematis hybrid named ‘BLUE GLOSS’ is disclosed, characterized by a distinctive silvery violet-blue flowers, and dense, shrubby plant form. Plant habit is well suited for container plantings. Semi-double flowers in Spring (May/June), single flowers August/September. The new cultivar is a Clematis typically suited for ornamental container and landscape use.

Latin name of the genus and species:Clematishybrid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new cultivar is the result of chance discovery in Hoganas Sweden. The inventor is Kjell Bolinder, a citizen of Sweden The new variety was discovered as a single seedling, of unknown parentage. The discovery was made in June 2003.

After selecting and isolating the new cultivar, asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘BLUE GLOSS’ was first performed in Sweden, at a hobbyist nursery by vegetative cuttings in June 2007. ‘BLUE GLOSS’ has since produced multiple generations, and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘BLUE GLOSS.’ These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘BLUE GLOSS’ as a new and distinctClematiscultivar:1. Silvery violet-blue flowers.2. Stamens are white.3. Semi-double flowers in Spring (May/June), single flowers August/September.4. Dense, bushy plant habit.5. Suitability for container culture.

PARENTAL COMPARISON

Parents are unknown to the inventor.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘BLUE GLOSS’ are similar to the commercial varietyClematishybrid ‘Beauty of Worcester’ unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics. However, the new variety differs from ‘Beauty of Worcester’ in the following:1. The new variety has larger flowers.2. The new variety has a more silvery flower color, due to more violet-blue, rather than lavender coloration.3. The new variety is denser and shrubbier than ‘Beauty of Worcester’.

The new variety can also be compared toClematis‘Lasurstern’, differing in the following characteristics:1. The new variety has smaller flowers.2. The new variety has a lighter flower color.3. The new variety is denser and shrubbier than ‘Lasurstern’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘BLUE GLOSS’ plants grown outdoors in British Columbia, Canada. Measurements were taken in May. The growing temperature ranged from 0° C. to 25° C. at night to 0° C. to 30° C. during the day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Plants were pinched twice. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical flowering types.Botanical classification:Clematishybrid ‘BLUE GLOSS’.Age of the plant described: Approximately 8 months.Container size of the plant described: Growing in the ground.

PROPAGATION

PLANT

Growth habit: Shrubby vine.Height: Approximately 200 to 250 cm, measured from the soil line of the pot after approximately 8 months.Plant spread: Approximately 180 cm.Growth rate: Rapid during active growing season in Spring. Typically short for the first 2 years, growing faster with more age.Branching characteristics: One main stem, easily making side branches from a pinch.Length of main stem: Approximately 270 cm.Diameter of main stem: Approximately 0.2 to 0.5 cm.Main stem color: Near RHS Greyed-Green 165B, heavily flushed Greyed-Red 181B.Main stem texture: Glabrous.Internode length: Varies from 7 to 18 cm.Strength: Strong, flexible, semi-woody.

FOLIAGE

FLOWER

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Seeds and fruits: Not observed to date.Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to normal diseases and pests ofClematishas been observed.Temperature tolerance: Tolerates temperatures from approximately −20° C. to 45° C.