Clematis florida Alba Plena

Clematis plants like to have cool roots. If planted in a sunny exposure, shade the base of the clematis with a ground cover plant or a perennial geranium. Work the soil to a depth of 20cm (8in), and lighten it with good compost. Position the plant and cover the root ball with 3cm (1in) of soil. Water generously and regularly during the first few weeks. Clematis attach themselves using their tendrils. To help them grow, provide them with a trellis or let them dress the trunk of a tree by placing a wire mesh against the trunk to support the clematis. Clematis also enjoy growing freely on neighbouring plants.

You can prune them quite vigorously. Cut back to 50cm (20in)) at the end of winter in March. Clematis florida are susceptible to mildew in a greenhouse with a humid atmosphere.