Thank you for all the helpful suggestions. And they have indeed been very helpful. I am going to follow the general advice and go for a group 1 clematis, however I think I prefer the annual wonder of new leaves coming out on the deciduous varieties rather than the evergreens. So I have decided to order 2 of these (Clematis alpina Constance):
Thanks Dove. I thought seriously about having 2 different clematii (??) as you suggested, one on either side, but then decided that I would prefer it to be symmetrical. (I might go for a bit of assymmetry around the side of the house though!!) Thanks again.
Just one more question on this (sorry!). How are you supposed to prune a group 1 clematis in the first couple of years (if at all)? (Bearing in mind that I want to to scramble up the trellis).
Look at the link I sent you on pruning. group 1s only get pruned - after flowering finishes - in order to keep them in bounds and renew vigour form bellow.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
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Thank you for all the helpful suggestions. And they have indeed been very helpful. I am going to follow the general advice and go for a group 1 clematis, however I think I prefer the annual wonder of new leaves coming out on the deciduous varieties rather than the evergreens. So I have decided to order 2 of these (Clematis alpina Constance):
http://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/clematis-constance.html
It's a group 1, can grow in a container, any aspect, and grows to about the right height, plus it's a lovely colour!
So, thanks to all for your help and advice.
Lovely choice - I love the alpinas
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks Dove. I thought seriously about having 2 different clematii (??) as you suggested, one on either side, but then decided that I would prefer it to be symmetrical. (I might go for a bit of assymmetry around the side of the house though!!)
Thanks again.
Just one more question on this (sorry!). How are you supposed to prune a group 1 clematis in the first couple of years (if at all)? (Bearing in mind that I want to to scramble up the trellis).
Thanks.
Look at the link I sent you on pruning. group 1s only get pruned - after flowering finishes - in order to keep them in bounds and renew vigour form bellow.