Clematis aristata

‘Old Man_Ós Beard, Traveller_Ós Joy’

FAMILY: Clematis

USES: Very strongly scented flower display with dark green leaves. Does well as a vine, shrub, hedge, container plant, on trellises, around pools, courtyards, enclosed spaces and in moon gardens.

SIZE: Grows 5 – 6m tall with a 2 – 3m spread as a vine or 0.15 – 60cm tall as a shrub with a 1 – 1.5m spread at a rate of 60cm – 1.5m p/a.

LOCATION: Full sun to light partial shade. Best in a more humid coastal environment with its roots in the shade and top growth in the sun. Does best with some protection from direct hot, dry midsummer and afternoon sun especially in the inland areas. Does not however grow well in too much shade.

SOIL: Best in an organically enriched fertile soil with a pH 6.6 – 7.8, neutral to mildly alkaline. Will show Fe leaf chlorosis if soil is too alkaline or saline.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 14:14:14 NPK every four months together with Fe sulphate and seaweed as a soil drench if chlorosis is evident. Benefits from application of a supplemental liquid 9:2:6 NPK with trace elements every two months during the growing period to increase flower production starting once flower buds have started to appear.

WATER: Keep soil moist. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging. Best with regular deep applications.