Clematis Montana

Although I've never owned one I've often admired this climber, especially at this time of the year when it's in bloom. I know they can get very wild and are extremely aggressive creepers if not kept in check. If we were to get one I would diligently maintain it to prevent it getting out of hand.

The missus commented the other day that it would be nice to grow one out the back up against the house (south facing) and train it over the kitchen window and see where it takes us.

However, the rear of the house is flagged up to about 10 feet away from the property, and then the rear lawn starts.

So if we were to get one it would have to go in a planter and this is the reason for my post. Is there anyway a Clematis Montana would still thrive in a planter? Would a planter hamper it's growth? Would it survive winter in a planter? What other issues could I have?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this.

 

Hi

cant you lift two flags ?

Montana is rampant but easily controlled.
Maybe a large oak barrel but will need constant feeding watering and forget and it will die.

I grow a Montana survived minus 10 when we had the east from the East

other clematis would be more suitable but maybe the coverage would be less

 

I realise that planters have numerous negatives and I really don't want to go down the planter route. So lifting a flag or two may be the way forward.

My next question would be regarding root growth/potential damage. Is their below ground growth as rampant and evasive as their above ground growth?

A moderate root system could well pave the way for me to lift a couple of slabs.

 

Considering how many clematis are grown against house walls , I never heard of any foundation problems personally.

 

Thanks for your reply. Moving forward is a bit clearer now.

 

I would contact a clematis grower and tell them what you are after etc and see what they suggest

 

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Hi,

I have a clematis Montana and, as others have said, while it grows fast, it is very easy to clip back. I have done that a few times and it didn't mind it.

Clematis have deep roots, hence the challenge in relation to restricting a vigorous one in a planter, but I have not heard of it being an issue in relation to house foundations. When I moved different clematis in the past, the roots seemed thin and quite soft, so I would be quite surprised if that was indeed a risk.

 

I will certainly be keeping on top of it. There are a few local ones that have been left to their own devices and they become very unsightly. Mine won't be one of them.

Am I right in saying that you trim them back after flowering so that the following years flowers will develop on the new growth?

 

Yes, that is correct I find it to be an easy plant. I've even pruned it later in the season e.g. Summer and it bounced back in time to have lots of blooms by next Spring. The only thing I don't like about it is that it looks quite unappealing during Winter. But other than that, it's a good plant.