What to do with Clematis Plants?

When I buy mail-order there is often some special offer ... and I'm a soft touch, as you all know

I have 8 Clematis sitting here, looking for a home. They probably came in miniscule pots, some time last year, but are now in 2L pots and growing large enough to be planted out.

I would like to put them along the pergola that we have climbing roses growing up. I haven't looked at the varieties yet, but I suspect they are all spring flowering, so will probably be all-done-and-dusted by the time the Roses are in full tilt - and would, thus, add some nice colour in that part of the garden early in the season.

My wife not so sure ... although I think she was persuaded (straw poll of both sets of inlaws shot her down at Sunday lunch I expect that's going to cost me ...)

Alternative ideas?

We're a bit short of dead trees to grow things up, and I don't think that any of these are "vigorous" types like Montana.

What's your opinion on Obelisk frames in the herbaceous border? I am inclined to think it looks a bit naff, but perhaps you have a link to a photo to persuade me otherwise?

I'll trot off and make a list of the varieties ...

Link: My blog - pergola piccies

 

I have some young Clematis which I have planted in obelisks in planters this year - but obviously are still babies so won't do much this year (hence no photos). In one planter I have two Clematis together so I've got contrasting colours.

I have planted one near a corkscrew hazel and one next to a young Camellia - the less vigorous varietis can be left to weave their way through shrubs.

I've even seen pics of Clematis being used as ground cover or weaving through low growing shrubs

 

OK, not sure any of these are suitable as a prelude to the Roses :(

Clematis Easy Grow Collection

Clematis 'Niobe' - Majestic, deep velvety, ruby-red summer flowers appearing almost black on opening, with golden-yellow centres and mid-green leaves. This compact, large-flowered variety produces shapely blooms of up to 10cm (4") across is best grown in a semi shaded position to preserve the rich coloured blooms from fading in strong sunlight. Perfect for growing in a container in partial shade. While it takes some time to establish the sight of the crushed velvet-like petals unfurling is well worth the wait. Jul-Sep. Height: 300 cm (10ft). Pruning Group: 2.

Clematis 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' – A vigorous, beautiful late-flowering variety
produces masses of large, mauve-pink and is suitable for almost any aspect in sun or shade. A favourite of gardeners since the beginning of the twentieth century, it is easy-to-grow and less prone to clematis-wilt than other large-flowered varieties. Ideal for growing against a sunny wall. Jul-Sep. Pruning Group: 3.

Clematis 'Miss Bateman' – Sophisticated simplicity; Elegant, Pure-white, early summer flowers, initially striped green, with contrasting chocolate-red centres and mid-green leaves. This compact, large-flowered clematis is excellent for growing in a large container or through a shrub or tree. Coping well in full sun or partial shade.May-Jun, Aug-Sep. Pruning Group: 2.

Clematis 'The President' – An RHS AGM variety with large, rich velvety purple-blue flowers with handsome pointed petals and red centres. Since its introduction in the late 19th century this has been one of the most popular clematis. A free-flowering and reliable variety, it is ideal for training over a pergola or garden arch in full sun or partial shade. Jun-Sep. Pruning Group: 2.

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' - Delicate, wide pale pinkish-mauve, early summer flowers with striking pink stripes and contrasting reddish-brown centres followed by attractive seed heads that extend its elegant display into late summer. This large-flowered clematis is best grown on a north-facing wall or in shade since the pale pink flowers fade badly in strong sun. It is perfect for training over a pergola or arch, alongside a late-flowering variety. May-Jun, Sep. Pruning Group: 2.

Clematis Cheer Collection

Clematis Rhapsody - Twining stems bear wide, blue flowers May-Sep that deepen as they age. The intense colour of Clematis Rhapsody looks superb against a white wall or pale backdrop. This compact climber is ideal for growing in containers, and can be pruned to almost ground level each year, making maintenance extremely easy! Height: 2.5m (8ft). Spread: 1m (3ft). Pruning group 3.


Clematis John Howells - Named after the founder of the British Clematis Society, Clematis John Howells bears vibrant cerise pink blooms throughout summer. This colourful vigorous climber will quickly cover walls and fences, and can be pruned to almost ground level each year, making maintenance extremely easy! Height and spread: 2.5m (8ft). Pruning group 3.

Clematis Fond Memories - This wonderful variety has enormous, single flowers, which grow up to 18cm across. The colour is the palest shade of pink with rosy-lavender margins and stamens. The flowers have a beautiful satin sheen to them, and the under-side is a very deep rosy-lavender with maroon veins. The leaves are dark green and glossy and some may remain on the plant during milder winters. A great Clematis for a pot, provided they do not become too hot or dry out. Grow this exceptional variety to appreciate why it was the star of the Chelsea Flower Show for two years running! This hardy deciduous climber is a real show stopper for sunny walls and patio containers. Jul-Oct. Height: 2.5m (98"). Pruning group: 2.
Clematis cirrhosa "Jingle Bells" (substituted for "Fragrant Oberon") - Large, nodding, cream-coloured sweetly scented flowers appear from winter to early spring and are followed by attractive fluffy seed heads which contrast beautifully with this varieties cloak of evergreen foliage. This charming climber is ideal for training around a doorway in a sunny, sheltered location where the scented blooms can best be appreciated. Dec-Feb

 

I like the sound of that plenty of shrubs here to be woven through . I'll wait until they flower then see what is looking right / contrasting for them to clamber through.

 

Just starting to drool as I am reading about them all Kristen What a handsome clutch of Clematii you have there!! Just a teensy weensy bit jealous but I'm sure they are coming to a good home. Of that collection, I have only Rhapsody (a postage stamp size I hope) which I am growing with David Austen rose "Buff Beauty".
The low growing idea sounds very nice. Sure the slugs can't wait for you to try that !!
Jenny namaste

 

I'm sure you can get them cheaply too - with a bit of patience. Mine came from van Meuwen and were less than £2 each. I suspect I had to wait for them to send me a Voucher, or tell me "everything is 25% off" or something like that. Actually I think they sent me a 20% off voucher this weekend ... I'll wait, if you don't use it their system then thinks they are losing you as a customer and sends you a better offer!

They came in 9cm pots though (may even have only been plug plants), so it will be a year of TLC before they can, safely, be planted out. But I'm always buying "bargains" and things-for-next-year is fine by me.

I only found two collections on their site just now, not particularly good value:

Clematis 'Fantasy Collection' £17 - ‘Josephine’, ‘Empress’ & ‘Crystal Fountain’

http://www.vanmeuwen.com/flowers/flower-plants/climbing-plants/clematis-fantasy-collection/68723VM


Clematis 'Red, White & Blue Collection' £15 - Niobe, Duchess of Edinburgh & General Sikorski

http://www.vanmeuwen.com/flowers/fl...ts/clematis-red-white-blue-collection/69069VM

even with 25% off I wouldn't be a buyer - but they might over-produce them, and then offer then at discount a bit later on.

Ha! Their search didn't find this (although it is sold out with an "Email me when in stock"). The "Cheer Collection" I had (Clematis Rhapsody, John Howells, Fond Memories & Fragrant Oberon) in 7cm pots for £17 (50% off) - still not a brilliant price though ...

http://www.vanmeuwen.com/flowers/flower-plants/climbing-plants/clematis-cheer-collection/70085VM

 

plant the whole lot around the base of a large tree, and let them do their own thing

seen a lot like that in London ... looks pretty good

 

http://www.garten.cz/images_data/3782-clematis-x-jackmanii-comtesse-de-bouchard.jpg
I don't recommend planting this one next to a pink rose - it is a very soft bluey pink and looks terrible with the stronger orangy pinks of roses. I know, I've done it and it clashes horribly every spring. Might be OK with a pale silver pink rose like New Dawn or a rich deep ruby red one.