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Climber Wall Shrub

Clematis florida

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

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Green
Summer White Green Green
Autumn White Green Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous or 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
Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 2

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

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