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Clematis montana to cover a 5' high fence
happycottontail
Posts: 394
in Plants
I once saw a montana that covered a fence about 5' high and and 15' long. It looked beautiful and I'd love to grow one on one of my fences.
This is the photo I took of it. Is there a variety that is less rampant than some or can you keep it from getting too high by pruning it after flowering?
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They all get pretty large, There are small varietys such as new dawn but the can still reach heights of 8m. Saying that you can prune them back after flowering to keep them under control.
...this is 'Wee Willie Winkie'.... it had a lovely scent, of vanilla... but unfortunately got a bit much for me to manage.... it was contained on a 6 by 6 foot trellis...
The montanas are lovely but are all potentially 'big' but also easy enough to cut back. I've had 'Elizabeth' and also the white 'Grandiflora'. Awaiting the one I've rescued flowering to see what it is!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Montanas can be pruned back after flowering to keep them in bounds and encourage new flowering stems down below. They are vigorous and will always want to grow well so need decent support in the form of trellis or sturdy wires stretched taught across the fence and held in place by vine eyes.
Obelixx, could I use plastic netting on the fence as a support, or would that not be strong enough?
Defintely not plastic net. It will sag and snap in no time. best to start with decent wires and vine eyes from the start and keep on top of tying in and pruning once it gets to the size you want so it stays looking good..
Salino, your pic of Wee Willie Winkie is gorgeous! I must have a look out for that one.