When does the Clematis flower?
Flowering periods for different Clematis vary a great deal. The Evergreen Armandii and Avalanche start flowering in April. The Alpina and the Montana are next and usually start flowering in April/May. The large-flowering species flower after the small-flowering varieties. Some species within this group produce their blooms in early summer; others in the late summer. By growing a nice mix of various types of Clematis in your garden you can enjoy their beautiful flowers from early spring until late summer!

Small-flowering species like the Montana and the Alpina are best pruned in the summer. This is because they flower on old wood (branches of the previous year). In the summer you actually prune Clematis into shape for the following spring. Don’t forget to completely remove all of its old or dead branches.

Clematis species that flower in early summer do not necessarily need pruning. If you do decide to do this, it is best to do so after flowering in the autumn or winter. The varieties included in our ‘Our Choice’ selection are also in this group. These will normally have the longest flowering periods.

The summer flowering varieties need to be cut right back to about twenty centimetres above the ground every year. This is best done in early spring. Don’t be afraid to do this, the Clematis will grow back beautifully that same year!

• Winter hardiness:
  Good

• Soil type:
  Humus rich

• Moisture levels:
  Normal

• Location:
  Sun/semi-shade. More sun will help Clematis to produce more flowers. However protect the base of he plant from all day sun exposure.

• Height:
  Up to three (large flowering varieties) or six (small flowering varieties) metres.

• Evergreen or deciduous:
  Most are deciduous, except for evergreen Armandi and Avalanche.

• Pruning:
  Pending flowering period. To keep Clematis fresh and full, good pruning is important.

• Fertilizing:
  Apply humus/organic fertilizer in the spring

• Flower:
  Prolific blooms. Colour and size depends on variety. Some large flowering varieties have flowers of up to 15 cm in size!

• Flowering period:
  Depends on variety; spring or summer

• Trivia:
  In its natural setting, Clematis also commonly grows as a creeping groundcover, so if you want something different you can also use your Clematis as groundcover plant. This provides a beautiful sight when it is flowering!