About

Clematis 'Apple Blossom' is a robust, evergreen vine that showcases glossy, dark green trifoliate leaves, which have a bronze hue when they first emerge. In early to mid-spring, it produces fragrant white blooms, lightly brushed with pink, measuring 5 to 6.5 cm in diameter. These flowers open from deep pink buds and gradually lighten to almost white as they mature.

About the genus

Clematis includes a variety of plants, ranging from deciduous and evergreen shrubs to herbaceous perennials. Many of these species are climbers, utilizing twining leaf stalks for support, and they frequently produce prominent flowers. In the fall, certain varieties develop appealing fluffy seed heads.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Climber Wall Shrub
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Fragrance
Flower
Toxicity
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Vigorous clematis for a warm south or south-west facing wall, with protection from cold winds. Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil. Plant with the crown 5-8cm (2-3in) deep to encourage shoots to grow from below ground level. Keep the base shaded and cool by the careful positioning of plants or a layer of pebbles or flat stones. See clematis cultivation for more advice
Pruning
Clematis pruning: group one
Propagation
Propagate by layering, semi-hardwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, snails and caterpillars; petals may be eaten by earwigs
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux