Latest news with #Clematis
Telegraph
11 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Ask the head gardener: How can I get my clematis under control?
Dear Tom, I planted a Clematis 'Mayleen' by my fence about three years ago. It has grown rapidly, and this year had an abundance of beautiful pink flowers. Now the plant is growing on and on and looks a mess – and my neighbour doesn't like it growing over the fence. Also I have rose bushes planted near the clematis and the new shoots stick to the roses. I would love to have some advice on how to prune it, or what to do with it. – Eva Dear Eva, It makes a pleasant change to receive a question about a plant that is growing too well, but on this occasion, that doesn't mean that there are not a number of issues. Clematis enjoy growing in a sunny position (such as next to the fence that you provided for your 'Mayleen'), and like their roots to be in more cool and moist soil conditions. The spot that you have provided in your garden is perfect, which is why this vigorous climber is looking quite at home. Clematis montana (of which 'Mayleen' is a cultivar) sits in a collection of clematis known as Group 1. This group is characterised by its early flowering and quite often has a number of very vigorous species within it. As these clematis grow rapidly year on year, they soon outgrow most domestic situations such as fence panels. They should be pruned immediately after flowering, enabling them to put on fresh growth that will then produce flowers the year after. The way that I see it, you have a couple of options. The first is to rejuvenate the plant by cutting it down close to the base. A healthy Clematis montana often responds well to this treatment. This will trigger lots of fresh growth from the base that can then be trained to cover the fence with more growth towards the bottom of the plant. Immediately after flowering next year, shear off the stems so that they are tight against the fence, which will encourage fresh growth and keep the plant more compact. In all honesty, this clematis might be too big for that spot, but this pruning style is a way in which you might be able to keep the plant growing in that part of your garden for a number of years to come. There is potential to shear off the growth that has flowered in a less severe manner, but that will not be as conclusive as the rejuvenation technique. Looking at the other end of the extreme, an acceptance that this Clematis montana is too big for your fence will result in the opportunity to plant a brand new clematis that perhaps is more compact and suitable for that spot. Group 3 clematis flower later in the year on growth that is produced that spring and summer. Clematis viticella types can be very decorative and I find the easiest to prune because they simply get taken down to the ground each spring. Clematis tangutica, with its yellow flowers and gorgeous seed heads that persist into the winter, is another option that you could look at, being better-behaved than your monstrous montana. If you're looking to replace your clematis, then incorporate a couple of wheelbarrows of well-rotted compost or manure to reinvigorate the soil and encourage lots of strong growth from your new plant, and make sure to water it well for the first summer.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
‘How can I make my wisteria and clematis-clad wall look less bare in winter?'
We have an east-facing gable wall, covered in wisteria and clematis. It looks stunning from April to October with blooms and foliage. However, for five months of the year it looks pretty dismal. The wall badly needs painting. Are there masonry paints we can apply after pruning that will not adversely affect plants? P Duffy Ornamental climbers are a wonderful way to soften bare walls, adding many months of interest as well as helping to integrate built structures such as houses and sheds into the garden and wider landscape. But as you point out, the struggle is providing year-round interest, with many of these climbers being either deciduous (like wisteria) or herbaceous (examples include many but not all kinds of clematis). Introducing some evergreen species is one solution, such as the very vigorous Clematis armandii, which will cope quite well with an east-facing wall so long as your garden is mild and relatively sheltered. Other suitable candidates include the evergreen Trachelsopermum jasminoides and Trachelospermum asiaticum, both of which prefer a sunny spot but will also cope with a shady wall so long as it's a relatively mild, protected garden, or the shade-tolerant, evergreen Hydrangea seemannii and Hydrange serratifolia. Traditional climbers aside, you could also consider ornamental evergreen shrubs suitable for training against a wall, including the wonderful Itea ilicifolia, Azara microphylla, Garrya elliptica, and varieties of Mahonia x media. All the above will do an excellent job of cloaking the bare masonry and minimising the need to paint the wall. Ornamental varieties of ivy are another option but do bear in mind its tendency to romp, as well as to probe small gaps in masonry walls, fascia boards and guttering unless regularly pruned to keep it firmly in shape. READ MORE As for painting your wall, I highly recommend the Little Green Company's range of environmentally friendly, water-based, intelligent masonry paints ( ). These are relatively odourless, quick-drying, long-lasting, and available in a range of colours.
Belfast Telegraph
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Belfast Telegraph
Diarmuid Gavin: How to pick, prune and protect clematis
This versatile, easycare vine will add visual appeal to your garden Clematis, often called the 'Queen of Climbers', is a favourite choice for gardeners. With the right variety, this versatile vine can transform a bare pergola into a romantic retreat, disguise an unattractive shed, dress up a plain wall, or climb an old apple tree in a classic cottage garden. One of the most uplifting spring sights is Clematis montana. Vigorous and tolerant of shade, it's also among the easiest to grow. When in bloom, it's completely smothered in white or pink flowers — a true spring spectacle.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Monty Don says clematis will bloom in summer with 1 task done now
The gardening expert has one tip to ensure the pretty flower thrives When in full bloom, Clematis produce beautiful, eye-catching, shaped flowers. Their striking appearance has made them popular across the world, however gardening genius Monty Don said there is one way to guarantee the blossom-filled climbers will grow bigger next year. Originating in Japan and China, there are over 350 different kinds of clematis flowers globally, include everything from the dainty alpine clematis to the alien furry-looking old man's beard. Many varieties of clematis are relatively easy to grow is sunny conditions. They require either full or partial sun – though they may not flower as well in shadier areas. The most common cause of a clematis failing to bloom is unsuitable growing conditions. Clematis need a moisture retentive but well-drained soil. The roots need to be kept cool and shaded, but growth and flowering will be impaired if the top of the plant is kept in deep shade. They're also classified as perennial plants, which means they grow back year after year. Monty Don said the best way to give your clematis a boost is to spread compost over the soil, reports the Mirror. Compost typically contains a healthy mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are necessary for plant growth. Writing in his blog, Monty said: "The secret of making it reasonable quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green) like grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it." He adds that this doesn't have to be 'a major operation'. He advises that simply forking through the compost will help spread air through it. The main objective is to spread oxygen through the heap. This will feed the bacteria that eat the decomposing material and convert it into compost. Monty adds that it will enrich your soil with essential bacteria, fungi and nutrients. He describes it as being 'better than any product known to man.' If you're not sure what to put in your compost pile, then looking around your kitchen is a great place to start. Many common food scraps can be used to make a great fertiliser. One popular option is to use banana peel. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps prompt plant growth. Once they break down, these nutrients are easily accessible to plants. Another tip is to use fallen leaves that are lying around your garden. This leftover debris is actually full of nutrients, like carbon. Plus, if you have a dog or cat at home, don't throw out their hair. While it may seem like a weird tip, hair is actually incredibly rich in nitrogen and makes great plant food.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rare climbing clematis that was nominated for Chelsea Flower Show hits sale
As the Chelsea Flower Show kicks off this week, shoppers can spruce up their garden for less with a rare, climbing clematis that's now under £15 and was nominated for the Plant of the Year Award Looking for a rare and exotic plant to add a splash of colour to your garden? Gardening Express may have just the ticket. Boasting the Chelsea Flower Show's seal of approval, as it was nominated for the Plant of the Year Award, this rare climbing Clematis could be the ideal addition to any outdoor space, thanks to its exotic appearance and vibrant shades of purple. And what's more, it won't break the bank as it gets its already-affordable price tag axed in this spring sale. Normally retailing for £19.97, this gem is currently up for grabs for £11.97 while this deal lasts. Be one of the first people in the world to grow this amazing new showstopper, a nominee for the Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year Award, in your own backyard. Bred in Japan, this is a dazzling flower, fully hardy and easy to grow and producing a myriad of exotic-looking blooms with a unique look. Reminiscent of the passion flower, this brand-new Clematis is an exclusive release at Gardening Express' website. Stunning and exotic, this climbing glower boasts unique multi-layered blooms that appear over a long period from June to September, turning walls and fences into floral masterpieces. The flowers of this Clematis Taiga look like works of art. They change and transition as they grow, ensuring a beautiful bouquet that changes throughout the summer season. The unique blooms can not be matched by any other variety. The large purple-blue blooms are extremely decorative, with every petal tipped in a paler shade. Clematis Taiga will flower all summer long, so there will be ample opportunity to show off your new masterpiece. This Chelsea Flower Show week is the perfect time to add your own to your garden for a pop of exotic colour this spring and summer. It is perfect for framing a pathway, climbing over an arch, or training on a trellis, fence, or wall. This Clematis can even be grown with support in patio planters, ensuring that, no matter the size of your garden, there is room for a Taiga or two. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Whether you're a green-fingered expert when it comes to looking after your flowers, or if you're a newbie looking for an easy and beautiful plant to get started, this Clematis is super easy to look after, as it will thrive on good, well-drained, fertile soil in a bright sunny spot. What's more, this flower can reach up to 200cm high with 100cm spread, and it can handle temperatures as low as -15c once well established, making it a safe choice in the UK when the temperatures plummet. Producing a profusion of luxuriant double two-toned flowers that are here to stay for many months every year, this climbing flower boasts attractive green foliage. This plant produces palm-sized flowers that develop in three conspicuous stages until fully filled, promising a real spectacle in your garden. Very easy to grow and care for, this Clematis is extremely free, so it can flower up fences, trellis and more, and it's a fully hardy climber, promising to grow bigger and better every year. Selling out quickly from other retailers like Amazon (where it's available for £15.99 but only has five left in stock), you can pick up the Clematis Taiga climbing flower for £11.97 from Gardening Express. Or, if you prefer to shop elsewhere, you can pick the same plant up from Very for £16.99 or from Thomas & Morgan where prices start at £14.99.
