Clematis montana 'Spooneri'

Vigorous climbing perennial of the Ranunculaceae family, Clematis montana is native to the mountainous regions of Central and Eastern Asia, from the Himalayas to Western China, where it colonizes forest edges, high-altitude thickets, and rocky cliffs between approximately 2,000 and 4,000 meters. The 'Spooneri' cultivar is an old and esteemed selection within this species.

Deciduous climber of great vigor, it can reach 8 to 10 meters in favorable conditions, quickly covering pergolas, walls, and supporting shrubs. The foliage is compound, with lanceolate leaflets of a medium green, slightly bronzed at emergence.

The flowers of 'Spooneri' are among the largest of the montana group, with four pure white slightly silky tepals, widely spread and nicely spaced, leaving the central cluster of creamy yellow stamens well visible. They are produced in considerable quantity along the branches of the previous year, creating a striking floral cascade effect. In its natural habitat, flowering extends from May to June; in cultivation, it generally occurs in April-May.

It prefers a deep, well-drained and fresh soil, in a sunny to semi-shaded exposure, with the base of the plant in the shade. Hardy and undemanding once established, it withstands winter cold without special protection in our latitudes. Pruning, if necessary, is done immediately after flowering.