Clematis florida

Climber Wall Shrub

Deciduous climber (semi-evergreen in warm locations) to 2.4m tall, with wiry stems, glossy dark green leaves composed of 5-9 leaflets and single, pearly-white flowers to 10cm across, with a central pale green bar beneath the tepals, and prominent dark purple anthers, produced on slender, hairy stalks, in late spring, sporadic late season flowers tinted green are produced until autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Clematis can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, mostly climbing by twining leaf-stalks, and often with showy flowers. Some have attractive fluffy seedheads in autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

In warm, sheltered locations, plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. Plant with the crown 5-8cm deep to encourage new shoots to grow from below ground level. Best kept in a conservatory or frost-free greenhouse in a container at least 45cm deep and wide in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost. See clematis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer or layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Cut flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails or caterpillars on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux