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Climber Wall Shrub

Clematis orientalis L.

oriental clematis

A deciduous climber, up to around 8m high, with pinnately divided, often lobed green leaves borne in groups of three. Small, lightly scented yellow flowers, with thick, reflexed petals covered or edged with fine hairs, are produced in late summer and early autumn, and are followed by tufted seedheads

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Aegean to Tibet

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant with the top of the root ball about 8cm below the soil surface, in a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Position in sun or part shade, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. See clematis cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate from cuttings (climbers), or by layering in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 3. Cut back hard before growth begins in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids. Cutworms and voles may cut young stems

Diseases

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

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