A vigorous deciduous climber that blankets itself in a profusion of dainty four-petalled pink or white flowers, many lightly vanilla-scented, during spring. Excellent for covering fences and arbours quickly.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 8 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Mountain Clematis
Clematis montana is a fast-growing climber in the Ranunculaceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Pink and white flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Mountain Clematis
Mountain Clematis suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Mountain Clematis does best in loamy, free-draining and alkaline soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Mountain Clematis does best with regular, moderate watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Mountain Clematis after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Its ongoing care level is moderate maintenance.
Using Mountain Clematis in the garden
Mountain Clematis earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge, its fragrance and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate as Mountain Clematis. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Mountain Clematis
Plant Sale lists Mountain Clematis as potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
