|
|
|
|
Clematis armandii
 Clematis Appleblossom
This evergreen Clematis can also be trained as a manageable climber for a fence or pergola in smaller gardens. Prune back any unwanted growths immediately after flowering and do not be afraid to shorten back new summer growths as they appear. Older dead leaves accumulate under the new shoots. Clear them out when pruning as they encourage populations of snails and earwigs.
Clematis armandii needs perfect drainage. It is susceptible to the root disease Clematis wilt which causes the plant to suddenly wilt and die.This usually happens in heavier soils.I have lost a couple of these Clematis to this condition and it always seems to happen when the climber is established and in full flower.There is nothing sadder to see a plant in full flower one day and the next quite wilted. Initially plant this clematis in the ground deeper than usual. As a Clematis plant grows from a crown it has the ability to regenerate new shoots from below the ground if the growing shoots are cut off or die from disease.
Clematis a. Snowdrift
Large pure white waxy flowers and very fragrant
Clematis a. Apple Blossom
Mauve pink buds open palest pink with a heady vanilla fragrance.This has always been a sought after variety but propagation difficulties cause it to be a little elusive to find for sale. I have got a young plant progressing quite nicely up an upright growing Elm tree. However I came across a magnificent flowering specimen in a local garden recently. It had been planted at the base of a mature Totara tree which I would have thought would have been far too dry a position for it. It hadn’t been given any extra watering or feeding either. Perhaps this is the key for growing Clematis armandii varieties successfully. Grow them hard.Still only a youngster this Clematis had grown to the top of the Totara where it cascaded over the side of the tree with its gorgeous apple blossom flowers.
 Clematis Appleblossom growing next to an established Totara tree
|
|
|
