Early clematis for colour and scent
See out winter and welcome in spring with some pre y and fragrant varieties
We tend to think of clematis as colourful climbers for late spring and summer – autumn as well, perhaps. But they’re so much more than that and at this time of year, in winter and early spring, we can enjoy some of the prettiest and most fragrant of clematis varieties. And they’re all a little different from mainstream clematis in the way they grow and the situations in which they thrive.
The most vigorous varieties can be trained into mature garden trees or be encouraged to clamber over tumbledown sheds to provide spring colour instead of an eyesore.
Some are ideal on low fences or on cosy walls, preferably in a sheltered place where their scent will hang in the air, or directed to scramble into evergreen shrubs. Some are so neat and slow growing they make ideal climbers for narrow borders in small gardens, for containers or they can be planted to trail down from tall pots. A few will also thrive in a conservatory.
And although the colour range is a lot less impressive than we find in the summer clematis, and the flowers smaller, these plants have two big advantages in addition to their winter and early spring season – many are scented and
rarely suffer from wilt disease. It’s time to give them a go!