Clematis, group 1, early flowering

Clematis are split into three groups according to their flowering times and the pruning required.

Group 1 Clematis flower early in the spring, not as early as spring bulbs, but a beautiful and valuable addition to the spring garden.

They flower on the wood produced in the previous growing season. As the grouping is determined by flowering time and pruning requirements, it is made up of a number of different species and a great many cultivars and named varieties

Pruning: If pruning is necessary (if you're happy with the size of plant and where it's growing, then by all means leave it until it needs it) then it should be carried out immediately after flowering.

Cut back too-long shoots to healthy buds and remove any dead wood only when frost danger has passed. Old congested plants can be thinned by removing about 1 in 3 woody shoots. If total renovation is needed they can be cut right back to the base, 6-12 inches above the ground just after flowering - don't do this again for at least three years though.

All group One Clematis Listing

Clematis alpina

Description: Many small nodding simple bell-like flowers	Recommended varieties Clematis alpina Pink Flamingo 1 plant in 7cm pot - £6.99 Clematis alpina Pink Flamingo 2 plants in 7cm pots + 1 FREE - £13.98
Position: Most, good on cool shady walls
Size: 10 - 16 ft (3-5m) in 3 to 5 years
Vigour: Low-moderate
Other: One of the earliest Clematis to flower

Clematis armandii

Description: Evergreen, very fragrant white flowers	Recommended varieties Clematis armandii 1 plant in 9cm pot - £15.99
Position: Needs shelter, preferably against a warm sunny wall
Size: 3 - 6 ft (1-2m) after one year, 13-16ft (4-5m) eventually
Vigour: Low-moderate
Other: Best when unconfined and unpruned

Clematis cirrhosa

Description: Evergreen, unusual freckled flowers	Recommended varieties Clematis Freckles 3 young plants - £8.99
Position: Needs shelter, preferably against a warm sunny wall, tolerates -5C, borderline hardy
Size: 3 - 6 ft (1-2m) after one year, 13-16ft (4-5m) eventually in favourable conditions
Vigour: Low-moderate
Other: Not for the beginner

Clematis macropetala Alborosea

Clematis macropetala

Description: Many small nodding semi-double bell-like flowers	Recommended varieties Clematis macropetala 3 jumbo plants - £9.99 macropetala Jan Lindmark macropetala Markham's Pink
Position: Most, good on cool shady walls
Size: 10 - 16 ft (3-5m) in 3 to 5 years
Vigour: Moderate
Other: One of the earliest Clematis to flower

Clematis montana

Description: Masses of simple open four-petalled flowers	Recommended varieties montana Broughton Star montana Marjorie montana Mayleen montana Tetrarose
Position: Almost anywhere, not on a wall, better in 3 dimensions, good for covering outbuildings, through trees etc.
Size: 6 - 10 ft (2-3m) in 3 years, eventually to 25ft (8m) if allowed
Vigour: High
Other: Amongst the toughest and most loved of Clematis

Clematis - Group 1 - Early flowering types