HOW TO GROW CLEMATIS ‘Bill Mackenzie’

How to grow Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' - http://www.gardenvines.com/

Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' is an attractive deciduous climber with showy flowers and finely-cut foliage. Even though it is of uncertain parentage, it is often sold as either Clematis orientalis 'Bill MacKenzie' or Clematis tangutica 'Bill MacKenzie'.

Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' 

It was raised by Lady Valerie Scott (Ne. Finnis) at the Waterperry Horticultural School near Oxford, in 1966. It is generally believed to be a seedling of the Ludlow and Sheriff ‘Orange Peel’ clematis, however it is more like to be a cross between Clematis tangutica and its var. obtusiuscula. The true clone grows in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' is a vigorous specimen, which under favourable conditions can reach a height of between 4-8 metres with an approximate width of 2.5-4 metres. The dark-green three-lobed support the plant by twisting around suitable structures. The blooms appear from June to November. Each flower is 6-7 cm in width with four thick, widely opening, bright lemon-yellow sepals which surround dark stamens. After the first set of flowers finish, ornamental silky seed heads start to form beside newly opened blossoms

Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' seed head

Plant Clematis 'Bill Mackenzie' in a moisture-retentive, well-drained alkaline to neutral soil. Avoid heavy soils or those prone to waterlogging. It will perform best in a sunny position, but will also cope in a partial shade.

As with all clematis species and cultivars the roots and base of the plant will need to be kept cool and shaded.  Either position another plant in front to act as shade cover or apply a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant the root ball 5-8 cm deep to help encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level.

No pruning is necessary, but unruly specimen can be cut back hard from the end of March to the beginning of April, between 10-30 cm from the ground.

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