Clematis montana Grandiflora

The Clematis montana 'Grandiflora' is a particularly vigorous form of the mountain clematis, with dark green foliage that produces large pure white flowers, more or less fragrant, for several weeks between spring and summer. This superb climbing plant is ideal for climbing tall trees, hiding a garage, a pylon, transforming a fence and more. It prefers slightly shaded exposures and a soil that does not dry out too much.

The Clematis montana 'Grandiflora' is a semi-woody and climbing perennial plant belonging to the buttercup family. It is a botanical form of the mountain clematis that grows naturally in northern India. It was introduced by Veitch & Son (GB) in 1844. The plant will reach a height of between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33ft) in a few years, depending on the growing conditions, with a coverage of 12 to 20 m². This variety does not require pruning, or only above a height of 2 m (7ft).

This Grandiflora clematis bears single flowers, of a good size for a "montana", with a diameter of 8 cm (3in), which bloom generously from May-June to early July, well after the other C. montana have finished flowering. The bisexual flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 1 to 5 flowers on long pedicels. They appear on the previous year's branches. They have 4 oval tepals, barely overlapping at the base, gracefully open in a star shape with a cream-yellow stamen heart. They are sometimes slightly fragrant, depending on the plants. The flowering is followed by decorative feathery fruits of a slightly silvery grey colour. The leaves are simple, tripalmate, with irregularly toothed edges, of a dark olive green colour. This clematis attaches itself to the support or host plant through voluble petioles transformed into tendrils. Its deciduous foliage is absent in winter.

Plant your clematis in the company of 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 varieties available in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Take advantage of their ease of cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Grandiflora', a true spring delight, requires space to fully express itself, but this variety has the advantage of better tolerating shade, making it suitable for use in areas that are a little neglected by other clematis. It will be magnificent in a large tree or in front of the house, entwined around the fence that encloses the garden. Also, offer it to a dear gardening friend, as this generous clematis is a true gift from nature.

Tips: Avoid excessive fertilisation that stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch to avoid excessive moisture that promotes the disease of wilting.