Clematis

Lat. Clematis viticella // diversifolia // tangutica // montana // vitalba // and others. The Clematis - also known as Old Man's Beard” or “Traveller's Joy” - are climbers especially appreciated for their flowers. There are differences between the robust wild or indigenous forms, their variations as well as the large flowered hybrids. Many species, hundreds of varieties.

Requirements

Semi-shaded to moderately sunny Position, fresh humus-rich soil with good drainage, shade on the root zone is required. The large-flowered cultivars, except for Clematis diversifolia, are often susceptible to mildew and Clematis-wilt.

: Clematis viticella (Poster)

: Clematis tangutica

Growth and Leaves

A climber with leaf-tendrils. Growth depends on species and ranges from weak to extremely vigorous. Hybrids tend to be rather vigorous. Foliage from May to October, leaf drop of dried up leaves often slow.

Flower and Fruit

Depending on species / cultivars. Often beautiful filigree seed heads.

: Clematis x jackmannii – the classic example among the large-flowered Clematis

: Vigorous Clematis vitalba on tension cables are useful for accent planting in a “designed,” hard urban environment.

Growth Support Systems

Depending on growth habit, usually close-meshed wire at 20-25cm intervals, for suitable growth support systems see below. Often as wire rope system 5050, also with solid rods. Light assembly kits, for optimal development also Medium, if at risk of mildew and Clematis-wilt Heavy Duty Growth Support Systems, to allow greater distance from the wall.

Pruning

Three pruning groups: Group 1 and 2 see below. Pruning Group 2 includes most hybrids with large flowers, where all shoots are only minimally trimmed at the end of the year.

: Clematis on wire rope along a pergola post

: “Dr Ruppel” is like “Nelly Moser” a cultivar suitable for shady positions

: Clematis tangutica on brackets WM 12XX7

: Clematis tangutica

Additional notes for individual Clematis species:

Clematis viticella / diversifolia

Parents of many cultivars. Wild form reaches 5m height, flowers pink to violet during many weeks, very robust. Interesting for small espaliers are hybrids between Clematis integrifolia and C. viticella (“Clematis diversifolia”). Pruning Group 3, strong pruning required towards end of year, to approx. 20-60cm above ground.

Clematis tangutica

Asian wild form, highly drought resistant and also suitable for full sun exposure. Long flowering time, filigree seed heads. Pruning Group 3, refer to C. viticella.

: Clematis montana

: Clematis montana

: Clematis vitalba ("Old Man`s Beard")

Clematis montana

Robust species, gigantic growth habit, short flowering time in April. Suitable for larger areas. Pruning Group 1, no winter pruning, but cut back to thin out after flowering. For suitable wire rope systems see below.

Clematis vitalba

Indigenous to Central Europe (and Africa), a “weed” Clematis, forms gigantic lianas, modest flowering with small white star-shaped flowers. Ornamental seed fascicles. Pruning Group 3, see C. viticella.

: Clematis montana

: Greening of a pole with Clematis vitalba. The surrounding support wires have been designed specifically halfway up the pole only, to prevent the plant from growing into the upper tension cables of the tramway.