Clematis The President

Clematis The President

Why Buy Me?

• Masses of flowers
• Long flowering period

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and colour depth. Benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates to preserve petal colour and reduce stress.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid heavy or poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot.

Exposure:
Ideal for walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas, arches, and containers. Suitable for smaller spaces due to its compact, upright growth. Keep roots cool and shaded using mulch or groundcover plants.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during establishment and dry spells. Consistent moisture improves flowering and overall plant health.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn to give roots time to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Space 1–1.2 m (3–4 ft) apart or as needed to cover a structure. Grows to 2–3 m (6–10 ft) high with support.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply and regularly, especially in the first year and during flowering. Feed in early spring with a balanced or high-potash fertilizer, and again after the first flowering flush to encourage reblooming.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and cool the root zone.
Pruning group 2:

• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring (February–March), removing dead or weak stems and cutting remaining stems to a strong pair of buds.

• Light summer pruning after the first flush (May–June) encourages a second round of flowers.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to early summer. Vegetative propagation ensures the cultivar's true colour and flower form are maintained.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Early growth begins in spring. First flush of large, deep purple-blue flowers appears in late spring (May–June).

Summer:
Often reblooms in late summer (August–September). Flowers are 12–18 cm wide with a velvety texture, rich purple-blue petals, and reddish-purple stamens. One of the most reliable repeat bloomers among large-flowered clematis.

Autumn:
Second bloom may extend into early autumn. Foliage turns yellow before falling.

Winter:
Deciduous. Stems remain bare and dormant until spring. Prune lightly in late winter before growth resumes.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees and other pollinators during blooming seasons. Offers summer cover for insects with its climbing foliage.

Garden Use:
A classic clematis ideal for obelisks, arches, trellises, fences, pergolas, and containers. Perfect for cottage gardens, formal borders, or small garden spaces. Excellent for vertical interest and repeat blooms across seasons.

Companion Plants:
Combines well with climbing roses, clematis with contrasting bloom times or colours (e.g., Guernsey Cream, Miss Bateman), and perennials like Geranium, Nepeta, Salvia, or Lavandula. Deep purple flowers contrast beautifully with silver, white, or pale blue companions.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Clematis The President. 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.