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Clematis montana
 Clematis montana rubens
Montana Clematis do produce plenty of it with their bright boss of stamens so clearly visible. From late September for around three weeks the flowers smother this quick growing climbing plant. Of all the Clematis family the Montana forms are considered the easiest to grow. They flower in their first spring and reliably thereafter. Coming from the Himalayas they are sensible, remaining dormant until flowering, thus escaping likely damage from late frosts.
Most varieties exude a sweet vanilla fragrance. Another attraction of these climbers is their lovely foliage. Many have bronzed leaves and reddish new shoots. Clematis montanas flower on wood they produce the previous season so prune immediately after flowering. Only prune them if they get out of hand as they naturally remain very bushy.
Give them any support, be it a climbing frame, fence or tree and they will scramble and twine their way upwards and outwards. Their shoots mature into very strong ropey and pliable stems. They also make an excellent ground cover if you need to cover a large space. Or grow at the feet of large shrubs such as Rhododendrons that may be bare at their bases. I have also seen them planted at the top of banks and allowed to cascade. In flower they are magnificent ,a river of flowing flowers
Clematis montanas grow in most soils as long as the drainage is good. In sandy soils mulch well with compost. Once established you don’t need to worry about them. I never water or feed my plant. Keep away from damaging salt spray but all other winds they will tolerate.They grow well in sun or shade but in shady positions will grow upwards towards the light and only flower at the top of the plant where the sun is. For all over growth and flowers position in full sun.
Varieties
Clematis Montana rubens
Rich pink flowers for a long period in spring. Bronzy red foliage greens during summer.
Clematis Montana Elizabeth
Large pale pink flowers with a vanilla fragrance.
Clematis Montana Freda
A bocolour flower with cherry pink flowers having reddish edges. Bronzy green leaves. This is a smaller and less vigorous grower so suitable where space is at a premium.
Clematis Montana Marjorie
Quite different from the others with semi double flowers of green, creamy pink and salmon. Gives an antique look in colouring.
Clematis Montana tetrarose
The largest flowered of the montanas. Lilac pink. Bronzy green leaves.
Clematis Montana Snowflake
Large pure white flowers. The variety I have growing over the gate.
Clematis wilsonii
A smaller flowered white variety. Extends the flowering season by flowering three weeks later than the rest. Vanilla and chocolate scented flowers.
 Clematis montana Snowflake
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