Climbers: clematis

Think of good climbing plants for the garden and you'll probably include clematis on your wishlist

Clematis montana

Spring clematis: Alpina and Macropetala types

These are much more modest plants than the montana clematis (below), normally only growing to 2-3m (6-10ft) tall. They begin to flower in spring amidst the late daffodils and tulips and because the leaves will have only just appeared on the bare stems the nodding flowers are seen clearly. These are generally about 5-7cm (2-3in) at most in shades of blue or soft pinks and although they look delicate they are weather tolerant. The spent flowers form fluffy seedheads that will linger on through the summer. The pale-green foliage is easy to contain, which makes it an ideal climber for a fence or small trellis where the stems can be trained to fan out over the support.

 

Alternatively, an obelisk frame or a pyramid of canes in the border or in a pot will provide an attractive means of support. Any stems that outgrow the space can be cut back lightly after flowering.

Spring clematis: Montana types

This is a group of very vigorous clematis composed of plants that can grow up to 10m (33ft) in height. They grow quickly, reaching full size in only a few years, but each year the plant will be covered in an increasing number of flowers at the flowering peak in May. The flowers are smaller than most clematis at about 5cm (2in) across, and have four petals around a yellow centre. In general, they are pink or white and some are scented. In common with other clematis, the montanas need help to get started, such as wires or netting, but then they can scramble along a large fence, over a pergola or up into a sizeable tree. Their vigorous growth will swamp smaller structures.

 

Clematis viticella 'Ville de Lyon'

They do not require regular pruning but if the growth needs curbing, they can be cut back hard close to the base after flowering, although new shoots may be slow to appear.

Other clematis: hybrids

First of the clematis to flower in summer are usually the hybrids with large, often quite flat, open flowers. There is a wide range to choose from in all shades of pink, mauve and purple, not forgetting white. These flower on short shoots growing from the woody stems, but many go on to flower again in late summer on these new shoots as they continue to grow and extend. The variety is huge with a choice of double or single flowers or even bicoloured petals. There are cultivars for patio pots, larger areas of trellis work, for a sunny site and some that flower on partly shaded walls.

 

Later in summer, the viticellas, such as Clematis ‘Ville de Lyon’ take their turn, with smaller but abundant flowers on plants through till early autumn. Later in the year there are the yellow flowers of Clematis tangutica.