Apple Blossom Evergreen Clematis

Clematis armandii Apple Blossom. Pruning Group: 1

Echoing the beautiful colours of real apple blossom, this Clematis armandii has deep pink buds that open to pinkish-white flowers, gently fade to white as they age. Plants start blooming in March, carrying through to April, the flowers held above dark green leathery evergreen leaves which have an attractive bronze tinge when young. Have a look at our full range of clematis for every situation.

It's a whopper and needs some thought before you plant it, reaching up to 8m high by 4m wide. Much of Apple Blossom's charm is in its vigorous growth and ability to cover large areas.

Apart from its lovely flowers and foliage, Apple Blossom is prized for its gorgeous sweet almond fragrance, so it's worth planting it near well-used areas where you can get the full force of that fantastic spring perfume.

Features

• Group: Climbers
• Colour: Deep pink buds, pinky-white petals fading to white
• Height: 8m
• Scent: Strong, sweet almond
• Flowering: March-April
• Size: 5-6.5cm
• Evergreen
• Type: Armandii
• Habit: Climber
• Pruning group 1
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Good for bees and pollinators

Growing Apple Blossom Clematis

This is certainly not a clematis for a pot - Apple Blossom's roots really need to spread out to support such a large plant, so plant it in deep, moist but well-drained rich soil in a bed or border. If it is growing up against a wall, watch out for dryness at the roots, especially while establishing.

It has been given a hardiness rating of H4 by the Royal Horticultural Society, which means it will survive winters with temperatures of -5C to -10C. While it's hardy throughout most of the UK, it won't do well in frost pockets, or exposed location in colder Northern areas, so offer it a protected site.

C. armandii Apple Blossom does best in a south or west-facing aspect in full or partial shade and will tolerate any soil type but hates waterlogging. Sunny walls (especially if painted a dark colour) will absorb heat during the day, slowly letting it out at night, creating a 'heat island' and raising the temperature slightly, which is beneficial.

Clematis Apple Blossom in your Garden

If you have a large eyesore to cover - an old wall, shed, or a tree that's past its best, this is a go-to variety. The handsome leaves and blossom will soon clothe whatever is spoiling your view, but remember that a clematis needs something to cling onto, and need a sturdy climbing frame to support the weight of this large, woody plant.

A more unusual use of this clematis is as a screen to divide your garden into rooms, encouraging the viewer to peep around the 'wall' and discover what lies next. Provide a substantial, rot-proof framework and trellis.

Apple Blossom looks stunning growing over a large-scale arch or pergola, especially in a winter/early spring garden, surrounded by bright-barked dogwoods (Cornus), hellebores and bulbs. In a scented garden, its perfume can take over from that of those winter stars sweet box (Sarcococca) and witch hazel (Hamamelis).

Like most evergreens, once it has flowered, Clematis Apple Blossom will tend to fade into the background as showier plants come to the fore. The deep-green leaves will provide an elegant background to contrasting foliage and flowers, giving a sense of depth to your planting. Especially true in autumn, try placing vibrant Japanese maples (Acers) in front of it for a great effect.

How to plant Clematis armandii Apple Blossom

Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. Improve the soil from the hole by removing roots, weeds, large stones and other rubbish and mixing in about 25 per cent by volume of well-rotted compost or manure.

Position the crown about 5-8 cm deeper (2-3 inches) than the pot soil level. Spread the roots out, wet them and sprinkle them with Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi. Place pebbles or flat rocks on top of the soil to keep the roots cool.

Then backfill the hole with mixed soil and compost, firming it gently as you go. Water in thoroughly.

Keep well watered until established. Mulch with well-rotted manure or garden compost and feed with a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in spring.

Tidy up any dead or straggly growth after flowering - no routine pruning is needed. However, if the plant has outgrown its space, prune stems immediately after flowering.

Did You Know?

Also known as the Armand clematis, it is a native of Central and Western China. This clematis is toxic to dogs if eaten, so puppy owners be aware.

In a natural setting, the twisted inner framework of this clematis makes ideal nest sites for garden birds, especially sparrows, dunnocks and blackbirds. The early blooms provide a food source for bees (active above 10C) and other pollinators.