Clematis Elizabeth

Clematis Elizabeth is a selection of Clematis montana, recognizable by its rather large, light pink flowers, with wide slightly rounded petal which exhale a sweet vanilla fragrance. Its spring flowering is abundant and its young leaves are strongly tinged with purple. This beautiful, vigorous variety is one of the hardiest forms of Clematis montana. This climber is very large and will cover trees and large walls in a romantic or English garden. It thrives in sun or partial shade, in moist, deep, fertile soil, including in a mid-altitude garden.

Clematis 'Elizabeth' is a semi-woody, climbing perennial belonging to the buttercup family. It will reach 8 to 9m (26 to 29ft) high in a few years, covering an area of 8 to 15m². This variety is derived from Clematis montana, a botanical species native to the Himalayas and an excellent garden plant widely planted in many regions.It does not require pruning unless you wish to keep it to a height of 2m (7ft).

This mountain clematis Elizabeth has single, 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) diameter flowers, which generously bloom in April or early May depending on the region. The flowers are carried by a long pedicel on the previous year's branches. They have 4 elliptical to ovate petals with a slightly fringed texture, gracefully open in a star shape with a light yellow stamen heart. They are infinitely delicate and a light pink which is more intense in the sun. The flowers are followed by decorative feathery, silvery-grey seed heads. The leaves are simple, palmate, with irregularly toothed edges, deep purple when young, becoming olive green. This clematis clings to a support or host plant through twining petioles transformed into tendrils.

Plant clematis alongside your climbing roses to extend the flowering of your walls and pergolas until the end of summer. It is a genus rich in diversity, with flowers of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Elizabeth', a true spring delight, requires a bit of space to fully show off. It will be magnificent in front of the house maybe twined around the wrought iron fence that encloses the garden. It will welcome visitors with its exuberant flowering with a scent of carnations. It will make a beautiful gift for a gardening friend.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertiliser applications that can stimulate foliage at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture that promotes clematis wilt.