ClimbersClematis montana
Mountain Clematis
Mountain clematis is a fast-growing climber that becomes smothered in white or pink flowers during May and June. The plant can cover large surfaces in a short time, making it ideal for growing over pergolas, fences, and unsightly walls. The lightly fragrant blooms appear on the previous year's wood.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 600–1200 cm
- Spread
- 300–600 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–9
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white, pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant with the roots in shade and the top in sun — cover the root zone with a tile or low planting. Clematis montana prefers moisture-retentive but well-drained, lime-rich soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Apply a helping of compost or organic fertilizer in spring for abundant blooming.
Pruning tips
Prune immediately after flowering in June, as the plant blooms on the previous year's growth. Remove spent stems and thin out the plant if it becomes too dense. Avoid pruning in winter or spring — you would lose the flower buds.
Good companions
ClimbersWisteria sinensis
Chinese Wisteria
Chinese wisteria is a vigorous climbing plant that produces spectacular hanging flower clusters in spring. The fragrant purple, blue, or white blooms appear before the foliage has fully unfurled. A mature plant can completely cover walls and pergolas with a lush canopy of leaves.
TreesAcer palmatum
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.