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The Art of Gardening at Sissinghurst
Clematis montana
with TROY SCOTT SMITH — Head Gardener at Sissinghurst. Garden Writer, Speaker & Lecturer.
Lesson 39 of 56
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Troy discusses a popular tough, low-maintenance and fast-growing clematis that’s great for easy May colour.
From the Lesson Workbook
Clematis montana
I'm going to show you a popular, tough and low-maintenance clematis that's great for easy May colour.
Clematis montana is one of the easiest clematis to grow and is fast-growing, so it covers a space quickly. Growing clematis through roses is a great way to create multiple seasons of interest in one space, but we grow Clematis montana up one side of the arch, opposite Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'.
- You can prune it every year if you want, cutting off the flowered stems as soon as it's finished flowering to leave the new growth, but you don't have to.
- We leave it about 10 years between pruning and then cut it off at ground level to remove all the dead wood, and within two years it's back to the same height.
Further reading
- Gardens Illustrated: the National Collection holder's pick of the best Clematis montana to grow, including compact cultivars for a smaller space
Plant Directory
Clematis montana
Himalayan clematis
Hardy deciduous climber
Ranunculaceae
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea'
Double yellow Banksia rose
Hardy semi-evergreen rambling climber
Rosaceae
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Your Instructor
Troy Scott Smith
Head Gardener at Sissinghurst. Garden Writer, Speaker & Lecturer.
Troy Scott-Smith, previously head gardener of Iford Manor and Bodnant garden, now oversees the cherished grounds of Sissinghurst - one of the most famous gardens in England and is designated Grade I on Historic England's register of historic parks and gardens. Coming from a family of committed naturalists, Troy is a seasoned horticulturist, writer, designer and consultant, Troy is also a respected member of the RHS Floral Committee. When he set his sights on the head gardener role, he did so with refreshing candour, speaking passionately of the garden’s need for thoughtful evolution. It is a mark of the National Trust’s forward-thinking spirit that they embraced his vision, inviting him to guide this historic landscape into a compelling new chapter.
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