Miguel, what kind of soil do you have? Have you had any problems planting any of the viorna group deep? The only ones I would not plant deep would be ones from this group, especially the ones originally from sandier soils (glaucophylla, versicolor, et al.). I've had problems with these only when planted too deeply, specifically with the crowns rotting out. My soil is mostly sand + whatever loam I've added, thus even with great drainage I've had these issues. Regardless, ckreiger, it looks like some bury them and some don't. Your soil type and season length/zone might affect your decision, but you can't hurt integrifolias either way, I think.

Rosethyme, don't let my experience with Blue Boy hinder your choice of him in your garden. I have seen way too many pictures of it where it is just absolutely fabulous. I truly think the issue with mine is that is was somehow defective or perhaps not even what I think it is. The integrifolias and hybrids are typically great plants that I wouldn't be without so please don't let me experience prevent you from giving it a go. I am considering ordering another one from another source to see what is going on!

Your responses made me chuckle on a dreary rainy morning. I'm glad to know others have shared my experience with it. I suppose it is possible that there could be variants. Now that I know it will do that, it opens up new possibilities for it. I just love it, blooms its heart out all summer long without ceasing and such a pretty shade of blue, slight tinge of purple, one of the truest blues you can get. It's certainly more aggressive than I ever expected, probably not as much as some others, and have it in too confined a spot but hate to trim it back. I have had to disentangle some of it. One rose is struggling from winter dieback, but I guess it won't hurt if I let it scramble through the other ones.

Growing from seed is a long and tedious wait and you may not get a flower which looks like Rooguchi ! Hybrids do not always come 'true' to their parents, but you may get lucky and have some that are similar. Generally, the Integrifolia types germinate for me in 6-12 months. It will likely be several years from the point of germination before you will see any blooms. Clematis are not fast growers compared to many other vines. This is likely the reason that they are so expensive at nurseries. Here is the best method for germination: You will need: 6"-9" pots with drainage, rich potting soil, zip lock bags, markers + patience. Sew the seed 1/8" deep, pat gently, then water well and drain for 1 hour. Place the pots into zip lock bags and Label the bags with date of sewing and name. (You will be thankful later to have labeled these, as you might forget the name by next year, lol.) Seal the bags, set them in a dark, cool spot and forget about them for a few months and then check weekly for possible early germinations. Sometimes one or two come up well ahead of the others. I should also mention that EBAY and some other seed sellers do not always sell well 'ripened' seed. If the seed is not ripened properly on the vine it is useless and will not germinate at all. I have wasted money on several occasions because of amatuer sellers who don't know the basics about 'when' or 'which' seeds are viable to collect. The seed should be dark brown and fat when it is ripe. I hope you got good seed ! Good luck ! Suzy