Clematis montana Fragrant Spring - Anemone Clematis

Clematis montana 'Fragrant Spring' is a particularly floriferous variety. In spring, the emerging young leaves take on a beautiful bronze hue before turning green later in the season. In May-June, the plant is covered with a multitude of delicately scented pink flowers. This flowering is often repeated in summer, adding to the allure of this clematis. This hardy climber is ideal for large spaces, romantic gardens, or English gardens. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in moist, deep, fertile soil. It can even grow in a slightly mountainous garden.

Clematis montana is a semi-woody, climbing perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This family includes many genera, often perennials, many of which are used for ornamental purposes in our gardens, such as  delphinium or larkspur, anemone, aconitum, hellebore, and buttercups. The Clematis genus comprises about 300 species. They are mostly climbers, but some are shrubs. C. montana gets its name from the Himalayas (and China), its original home. It is one of the most vigorous species, capable of covering large surfaces and growing up to 10m (33ft) high in a tree.

'Fragrant Spring' is slightly less vigorous, reaching a height of 6m (20ft) or more with a spread of 3m (10ft), which is sufficient to cover a pergola or arbour. Its young shoots take on a bronze hue, with the leaves later evolving into a medium green. The leaves are simple and palmate, with irregularly toothed edges. In May-June, this climber is covered with a multitude of fragrant pink flowers, creating an irresistible visual and olfactory spectacle. The flowers, 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, consist of 4 light pink petals marbled with white or pale-pink. A bouquet of yellow stamens illuminates the centre of each flower. They emit a delicate and pleasant vanilla fragrance. The blooms are highly popular with bees. The bisexual flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 1 to 5 flowers on the previous year's branches. This clematis clings to its support or host plant using voluble petioles that have transformed into tendrils. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn. This clematis grows equally well in full sun or partial shade, but it is important to protect its base from direct sunlight. You can, for example, place a protective tile over the base or position a low plant in front of it. It grows in neutral or even slightly alkaline soi that is preferably slightly moist. After a few years, it will be strong enough to withstand dry conditions relatively well. It can withstand temperatures down to about -20°C (-4°F).

'Fragrant Spring' exudes a certain romantic charm, thanks to its subtle fragrance and light pink flowers that fade as they mature. It is ideal for covering a fence or climbing a tree, but you can also grow it with other vigorous climbers that will be unaffected by its competition. Akebia quinata will be a perfect companion, with its early spring violet-purple flowers and its light green leaves with 5 leaflets. To extend the flowering period, you can also plant Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' alongside it, a honeysuckle with a powerful fragrance and beautiful sophisticated white and red flowers from July to September. Also consider planting it with a trumpet vine (Campsis), which enchants summer with its cheerful trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colours.

Avoid excessive fertilisation, as it promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch, as mulching can lead to excess moisture, which can cause damping-off disease.