Clematis Spring Joy

Clematis Spring Joy is a brand new form of Clematis montana with white flowers, remarkable for its abundant spring flowering. Its flowers are small, light, fragrant, simply beautiful and produced profusely in May-June. This variety blooms a little later than the usual forms of Clematis montana, but it is just as vigorous and hardy. These qualities mean it can thrive in a romantic or English-style garden, entwined in the stems of its pink flowering sister. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in moist, deep, fertile soil, even at medium altitude.

'Spring Joy' Clematis is a semi-woody, climbing perennial belonging to the buttercup family, introduced in the Netherlands in 2015. It will reach a height of 4 to 5m (13 to 16ft) in a few years, covering an area of 8 to 15m². This variety is derived from Clematis montana, native to the Himalayas, an excellent garden plant extensively planted in many regions. It does not require pruning except to contain its size.

This clematis bears simple, small flowers, 4 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, which bloom generously in May-June, long after the other Clematis montana have finished. The flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 1 to 5 flowers on long pedicels, on the previous year's branches. They have 4 elliptical to ovate, overlapping tepals at the base, gracefully open in a star shape with a cream stamen centre. They are pure white and delicate. The flowers are followed by decorative, feathery fruits in greyish silver color. The leaves are simple, tri palmate, with irregularly serrated edges, purple when young, then olive green, in perfect harmony with the pure flowers. This clematis clings to its support or the host plant with tendrils.

This clematis thrives alongside climbing roses to extend the flowering period 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 easy cultivation to give your garden a romantic and bohemian touch. 'Spring Joy', a true spring delight, requires some space to fully showcase its beauty. It will be magnificent in front of the house, for example, entwined around a wrought iron gate that encloses the garden. It will welcome visitors with its pure, exuberant flowering. It would make a beautiful gift for a dear gardening friend.

Tips: Avoid excessive feeding that stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Do not mulch as excessive moisture promotes clematis wilt.