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Wrongly labelled plants tips for Clematis and Wisteria

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Wisteria in bloom

 

 

Clematis montanna elisabeth

Plant labels are not all they appear to be. Sometimes, it doesn't matter. Looking at these two Clematis in the images below they look very much the same and both were labelled as Clematis montana " elizabeth". The plant in image bottom right was bought when not in flower. There is a difference between the two plants, although not one you could see, the Clematis in image bottom left is beautifully scented with lovely soft vanilla scent which is why I selected it for the planting scheme.  I created an area in the garden with a scented archway planting lavender, roses, honeysuckle and Clematis montana"elizabeth" to give scent from May, (starting with the Clematis,)  to October, and so it mattered that the Clematis was exactly the right one. The same thing would apply if  buying plants to create a white garden, you don't want to find out that one variety is slightly blue.

I am now going to have to dig up the rogue plant, and re plant another for next year which is not ideal, especially as I didn't keep the receipt so I cannot remonstrate with anyone but myself. This time I think I will give the garden centre a miss and go to a specialist Clematis grower on the internet and get an assurance it is the correct variety. Planting it twice is one thing, but I am definitely not planting again. I will try Thorneycroft or Taylors, and hopefully this time I will get the plant I expected. Clematis are a really popular garden plant and not as difficult to grow as their pruning requirements can suggest; more about Growing Clematis . Best tip: if buying Wisteria definitely buy one which is in flower. Wisteria can be tricky to get into flower, if you buy one that is in flower at least you know as a good starting point that  it can flower, after that it is all about pruning. The Wisteria left is flowering well and I have carefully pruned it twice a year; tips and advise on growing Wisteria

Alleged Clematis Montana. elizabeth

 

 

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  1. diana bromson

    Hi Alone the side of my patio beside the fence i have three half moons to plant things in. In one i have a Clematis and a Wisteria together, i have been told by a friend to move the Clematis as it will not help the Wisteria. I am reluctant to move the Clematis as i know they do not like to be moved.Can the live together so closely or should i move the Clematis. Thanks Diana Bromson Hi Diana Reply Hi Diana Thanks for your blog comment. You do not say which variety Clematis you have planted alongside the Wisteria but both are usually vigorous climbers and as such should balance each other. They do look good together and as long as the Clematis is a vigorous variety so that it doesn’t get swamped by the Wisteria, they should grow together well. There maybe one practical problem depending on how you have planted them and how you intend to train them. The Wisteria needs to be pruned twice a year to keep it in check, contain its growth and more importantly to ensure it flowers each year. Most Clematis also need to be pruned in the spring, unless they are a Group 1. This means if you are growing a Group 2 or 3 you will need to access to prune. The exception is if the Clematis is a group 1, such as a Montana can it be left without pruning for periods. It would be best to check access pruning. There is lots of information on my web site about pruning wisteria, and clematis; and videos on my You tube channel. I have a Clematis and Honeysuckle growing together to form an arch, and pruning can be tricky, but I have persevered because they look so good together; you maybe decide to do the same. Hope this helps and feel free to mail again if needed, either on the blog or via the web site. Carol.

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