In April the species clematis starts the show. First off the blocks is C. alpina 'Frankie'. This clematis has lovely blue bells which are followed by superb seed heads that last well into the summer. Later in the month C. armandii, the evergreen Chinese clematis, is in full flower. This can be tender in exposed gardens or where temperatures drop alarmingly in winter. The very showy white flowers are displayed to great effect against the large waxy leaves. Great for growing up trees, being very vigorous, it needs plenty of room. This clematis is also vanilla scented, unlike most which unfortunately have no scent at all.
Then in May the montana's take over. These also have some scent depending on the variety in question. I have three forms in my own garden. Firstly, the pure white C. montana 'Grandiflora', followed closely by the pink C. montana 'Tetrarose' and the peach coloured C. montana 'Freda' which grows in the hawthorn hedge in the front garden. The latter often delaying any hedge cutting I might have in mind.
Right now I am enjoying some very beautiful early flowering clematis. These are mostly large hybrid forms in shades of white. They work wonders in lighting up darkish corners. White flowers are worth bearing in mind if you too have a shady corner or one that is in half shade most of the day.
Clematis of course do require some sun to flower well and are not suitable for really shady places that get no sun at all. A semi shady border that gets morning or evening sun should be fine though. Just bear in mind the golden rules for successful clematis cultivation. Keep the roots shaded if possible and the heads in the sun, feed well and watch out for clematis wilt. This can strike at any time, often afflicting mature specimens without much warning. There is no real cure, apart from cutting down the affected parts and spraying the plant with a good systemic fungicide. Drenching the root area at the same time with fungicide is also recommended.
Some older forms of the large-flowered hybrids are particularly susceptible to clematis wilt. However, most of the species, montanas and viticellas are largely immune from this distressing disease.
Returning to my white clematis. The first this year was C. 'Wada's Primrose'. A large white with a hint of yellow in the sepals, finished off with a lovely golden boss of stamens.
