Clematis montana Elizabeth

Clematis montana Elizabeth

Why Buy Me?

• A mass of flowers
• Vigorous grower
• Ideal for pergolas

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade well, particularly in hotter regions where light afternoon shade helps preserve flower colour and prevent heat stress.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils, which can lead to root rot.

Exposure:
Ideal for walls, fences, pergolas, trellises, or growing through trees and large shrubs. Vigorous and best suited to open or semi-sheltered positions. Shade the root zone with mulch or low-growing plants to keep it cool.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate to high once established. Needs regular watering during the first season. Tolerates short dry spells in summer once mature.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn while soil is warm and workable. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Allow 2–3 m (6–10 ft) between plants or from other large climbers. Mature plants can reach 6–10 m (20–33 ft) high and spread widely with support.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply during dry spells, especially during establishment and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support strong growth and abundant blooms.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in early spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning group 1:

• Minimal pruning required.

• If needed, prune lightly after flowering in late spring to control size or remove dead or damaged stems.

• Avoid hard pruning, as this clematis flowers on the previous year’s growth.

Propagation:
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering. As a named cultivar, propagate vegetatively to maintain true flower characteristics.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Bronze-tinted new foliage emerges early. Masses of soft shell-pink, vanilla-scented flowers appear from April to May. Each flower is 5–7 cm wide, with golden-yellow stamens.

Summer:
Foliage remains fresh and green after flowering. Plant provides dense vertical coverage, useful for screening.

Autumn:
Leaves may turn golden or bronze before falling. The woody framework remains visible into winter.

Winter:
Deciduous. Bare stems persist; minimal structural interest, but stems help define winter framework for climbers.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees and other early pollinators. Dense foliage and growth habit may offer nesting cover for birds and shelter for insects.

Garden Use:
Excellent for rapidly covering large structures such as trellises, pergolas, fences, or even scrambling through mature trees. Ideal for cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens, and informal landscapes where quick vertical coverage is desired.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with spring bulbs, climbing roses, or clematis with later flowering times to extend the seasonal display. Looks beautiful with white- or purple-flowered shrubs for contrast. Complements ornamental grasses, ferns, and early-flowering perennials like Aquilegia or Geranium.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Clematis montana Elizabeth. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.