Clematis armandii Apple Blossom

The 'Apple Blossom' clematis is a lovely climbing plant with glossy, evergreen foliage in a dark green shade. In late winter, its vigorous stems are covered in hundreds of small white-pink flowers with a darker pink reverse, and a delightful fragrance. It's a delight for both the eyes and the nose, especially during a time when the garden is less frequented. It is somewhat sensitive to cold temperatures and doesn't tolerate anything below -10°C (14°F). Therefore, it's preferable to provide it with a sheltered, sunny position, in a cool but well-drained soil, and a suitable support (trellis, pergola). It's also an excellent plant for your terrace, in a sufficiently large pot to prevent the substrate from drying out.

'Apple Blossom' Clematis armandii is a plant from the Ranunculaceae family, which includes many ornamental plants. Even though it may not be obvious at first glance, it is a cousin of larkspur or buttercup. This species is native to southern China, where it grows in copse, on the edge of forests, in clearings, and along watercourses, up to an altitude of 2400 meters (7874 feet). Its foliage is very characteristic among clematis plants; the leaflets, gathered in threes, are elongated and pointed (each reaching about ten centimeters) and are tough, dark green, and evergreen. The cold often gives them beautiful bronze-purple colours. As with most climbing clematis species, the long petioles curl upon themselves and form tendrils that allow the plant to firmly grip its support. It is named after Father Armand David, a missionary and botanist who collected numerous species in China in the 19th century.
Vigorous, 'Apple Blossom' is capable of quickly covering a support and can reach heights or widths of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet). From the end of winter, between March and April, the vine is covered in a myriad of relatively small flowers with 4 white-pink sepals, with a stronger pink marking on the reverse. Additionally, the flowers emit a discreet but very pleasant fragrance of almond or orange blossom.

The cultivation of Apple Blossom clematis is not very difficult: it simply requires a well-drained, cool, fairly rich, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It thrives in warm and sunny exposures, and once established, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, its hardiness can be lacking in regions with harsh winters (-10°C (14°F)); therefore, avoid windy exposures, especially to the north. If your climate is not suitable for planting in the ground, it also performs excellently in large, sufficiently deep containers. The only maintenance required is to remove any visible dead leaves, although they are usually quickly covered by new growth. If you wish to prune it, do so just after flowering to avoid compromising next year's blooms. This operation, however, remains optional.

With its somewhat exotic appearance, Apple Blossom clematis is simply spectacular when it can express its full potential, for example on a large trellis, a wire fence, or even within a hedge of bushes, where it will travel and cling as it grows.