Colourful clematis

From bold blooms the size of tea saucers to delicate nodding bells on a garden arch, colourful clematis are versatile climbers that your garden needs!

Large-flowered hybrids are some of the most impressive visually, coming into their own during the summer months. Colours and forms vary widely, with something to suit every colour scheme. Most enjoy their heads in the sun, but some, like pure white ‘Alabast’, will also grow in semi-shade.

Don’t feel obliged to provide a structure or trellis for support as many clematis can simply be planted in amongst shrubs and left to grow up through them for support. Some of the best suited for this are varieties of Clematis viticella, like rich-red ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ whose summer flowers are followed by fluffy seed-heads.

You can also grow clematis in large pots to create a focal point on your patio. Use compact varieties to grow in containers, trained up an ornamental obelisk or wigwam of canes. Several new dwarf and compact varieties have been introduced in recent years too, ideal for planting in tall pots and left to trail over the edges.

Clematis are often partnered with climbing roses and honeysuckle up pillars and pergolas to create long-lasting flower displays, but vibrant combinations can be created with virtually any other climbers or wall shrubs.

It’s not hard to see why clematis have such irresistible charm, and with so many inspiring ways to include them within the garden and patio your colourful clematis collection is guaranteed to grow!

 

TOP TIPS ON GROWING CLEMATIS

1. Clematis like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade. Plant so that the soil around the roots is shaded to keep it cool, training shoots up into a brighter, lighter space above.
2. Always plant summer-flowering clematis deeper than they were growing in their pots. Dig a deep hole so the top of the rootball sits about 7-10cm below the soil surface, and bury the base of the stems with soil. This can help plants regrow if they ever suffer from clematis wilt disease.
3. Spread a deep mulch of compost or bark over the soil after planting to lock in moisture and protect from the sun to keep roots cool.
4. All clematis belong to one of three pruning groups depending on when they flower. Talk to our experts to find out which pruning group your clematis belongs to and get advice on exactly when and how to prune.

Both our garden centres stock a delightful assortment of clematis varieties so pop in to see which ones suit your garden.