CLEMATIS MONTANA - The Anemone Clematis |The Garden of Eaden

CLEMATIS MONTANA - The Anemone Clematis

Clematis montana is a popular species of vigorous, ornamental, flowering climber. Commonly known as the Anemone clematis it is a native to the Himalayas, and was first introduced to European gardens in 1831 by Lady Amherst. It produces stems up to 6-9 metres in length with trifoliate, almost glabrous leaves.

Clematis montana seed head

Its strong growth can even be considered rampant which makes it ideal for growing in trees, over walls, outhouses and arbours and in particular those with a northern aspect.

Clematis montana supports itself by means of their petioles - the stalks that attach the leaf blade to the stem. These petioles are able to twine themselves round any slender support.

The flowers are a fantastic pure white and are borne in great profusion from mid April until May. Once the flowers have finished they are followed by attractive silky seed heads.

Clematis grandiflora will grow best in a slightly alkaline, free-draining soil and positioned in full sun. However they will need their roots kept in the shade in order to help provide cool moist conditions. This can be achieved by either positioning another plant next to the root-ball in such a way that it will cast shade, or cover the soil around the root-ball with some large flat stones or a thick mulch of gravel.