CLIMBING TO GLORY
Train clematis up pergolas and through trees for dazzling displays
CLEMATIS time is almost here. Hybrids with dinnerplate flowers are still limbering up, but elegant spring varieties are about to open up for the start of a dramatic show. The prettiest, Clematis alpina, has flowers resembling tiny lanterns. These are enhanced by ferny foliage and often follow with silky seed heads.
Their growth is moderate and easily controlled.
In contrast, Clematis montana is a rampaging thug. So is its evergreen cousin, C. armandii. Control through pruning.
For small spaces or containers, try Clematis x cartmanii. Most varieties, like dependable Pixie and Avalanche, are evergreen with creamy white flowers. The colours of spring clematis run from blue and pink to cream or white. Some of the pinks can be insipid. So, if you’re not sure, buy plants in flower.
CHOICES GALORE
CLEMATIS are widely available, but specialists, such as Taylors ( taylorsclematis.co.uk), have a comprehensive choice. April is good for planting, but the sooner this is done the better.
Clematis are easy to grow, but have strong preferences. Their roots should be cool and shaded — though never waterlogged. Fertile soil is better than sandy and mulching is beneficial. Above ground they prefer sun or semi-shade, but loathe wind, so shelter is essential.
Small and medium clematis grow happily in containers.
Pruning is straightforward. Varieties that flower in late summer do so on new-grown stems. They benefit from substantial winter pruning.
Those that flower in spring bloom on previous year’s stems. They can be pruned — but only if necessary. Do that in spring, immediately after flowering. The prettiest spring variety, Clematis alpina, seldom needs pruning. My favourite, C. alpina Helsingborg, has deep violet blue flowers and looks gorgeous next to C. alpina White Columbine. I’ve also grown the oddly named C. alpina Willy, which has pale pink blooms. One species, C. macropetala, produces multi-petalled flowers in mid- blue. Fine varieties include dusky rose Markham’s Pink and the albino Snowbird. Among new varieties, nothing comes close to the novel blush primrose of multi- petalled
C. koreana Amber, named 2016 Chelsea Plant of the Year.
TURBO-CHARGED
OTHER spring clematis are more invasive. Evergreen C.
armandii carries fragrant, glossy white flowers in profusion each spring. Growth is rapid, but controlled by hard pruning straight after flowering.
Long new leads develop in summer and must be tied in for next year’s show.
If you want to disguise an ugly feature such as a fence or slabsided garage, Clematis montana does the trick. And they look wonderful when trained up pergolas and through trees.
Never lose control of it as it will almost certainly become a nuisance. Remove all unwanted growth immediately after flowering, but be sure to leave enough healthy young leads and, if necessary, tie them in to the supports. The finest white is C. montana
Sericea, sometimes offered as Spooneri, while Tetrarose is an excellent pink.
So, don’t miss out on this year’s spring spectacular.