Clematis: Add height and charm to your garden

Climbing Clematis are among the most rewarding plants to grow in any garden, offering a spectacular display of colour and interest throughout the seasons. Whether scrambling over trellises, fences, arches, or weaving through shrubs and trees, these versatile climbers are ideal for adding vertical interest and softening structures with their abundant blooms. With a wide selection of varieties available, including Clematis 'Vitiwester', Clematis 'The President', and Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley', there’s a clematis to suit every style and setting.

Choosing the right Clematis for your garden

Clematis varieties differ in size, flower form, and bloom time, making it essential to choose the right one for your specific needs. Some varieties, such as Clematis 'Jackmanii', produce a cascade of velvety violet-purple flowers throughout the summer, while others, like Clematis 'Kakio', delight with their purplish-pink blooms from late spring. If you’re after a touch of romance, Clematis 'Vitiwester' (also known as C. 'Burning Love') is perfect, with deep red flowers creating a dramatic effect.

For classic elegance, Clematis 'The President' is a superb choice with its striking violet-purple blooms and silvery undersides, while Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley' brings a softer touch with its pale lavender-blue petals. If you prefer something more unusual, Clematis 'Girenas' offers pale pink flowers with a striking violet-purple central bar, while Clematis 'Baltyk' showcases rich purple-violet blooms. Those who appreciate a traditional favourite will adore Clematis 'Nelly Moser', a well-loved variety with large pale pink flowers streaked with a darker pink central bar. Meanwhile, for something compact yet striking, Clematis 'New Love' is a non-climbing variety with deep blue flowers and a bushy habit, ideal for smaller spaces or containers.

How to plant and care for climbing Clematis

Clematis thrive when planted with care, and getting the basics right ensures vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Follow these simple steps to keep your clematis happy and healthy:

1. Choosing the right spot

Most climbing clematis prefer a sunny or partially shaded location with their roots in cool, moist soil. A classic gardening rule is to “keep their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade”. This can be achieved by planting low-growing perennials or ground cover plants around the base.

2. Planting your Clematis

Clematis prefer fertile, well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and mix in compost or well-rotted manure. When planting, position the clematis slightly deeper than it was in its nursery pot—this encourages strong root growth and protects against wilt. Secure the plant to a trellis or support structure to encourage upward growth.

3. Watering and feeding

Regular watering is essential, especially in dry spells. Clematis are hungry plants, so feed them with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again after their first flush of flowers to encourage repeat blooming.

4. Pruning your Clematis

Pruning helps to maintain a healthy plant and ensure a good display of flowers. Clematis are grouped into three pruning categories:

• Group 1:
  Early-flowering varieties, like Clematis 'Nelly Moser', flower on old wood and require only light pruning after blooming.
  
  
• Group 2:
  Large-flowered hybrids, including Clematis 'The President' and Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley', bloom on both old and new wood. Light pruning in late winter and after the first flush of flowers keeps them tidy.
  
  
• Group 3:
  Late-flowering varieties, such as Clematis 'Jackmanii' and Clematis 'Vitiwester', bloom on new growth and should be cut back hard in early spring.

Using Clematis in garden design

Clematis are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance your garden. Here are some inspiring ideas:

• Covering walls and fences:
  Clematis like 'Baltyk' and 'Vitiwester' create a stunning vertical display when trained against walls or fences.
  
  
• Pairing with roses:
  Clematis and climbing roses make a dreamy combination. Try pairing Clematis 'Girenas' with soft pink roses for a romantic cottage garden look.
  
  
• Growing through trees and shrubs:
  Let Clematis 'The President' or 'Jackmanii' weave through shrubs and small trees for a naturalistic effect.
  
  
• Container gardening:
  Compact varieties like 'New Love' thrive in pots, bringing height and colour to patios and balconies.
  
  
• Arches and pergolas:
  Use clematis like 'Mrs Cholmondeley' to transform structures into floral tunnels of cascading blooms.

Enjoy a season of colour with climbing Clematis

With such a dazzling array of colours, forms, and bloom times, climbing Clematis are the perfect way to bring year-round interest to your garden. Whether you choose the vibrant Clematis 'Jackmanii', the soft hues of Clematis 'Mrs Cholmondeley', or the striking tones of Clematis 'Vitiwester', these climbers will reward you with a spectacular floral display. By selecting a mix of early, mid-season, and late-flowering varieties, you can enjoy their beauty from spring through to autumn.

Start planning your perfect garden backdrop with climbing Clematis today—your trellises, pergolas, and fences will thank you for it!