About

Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a deciduous climbing plant that can reach heights of up to 3.5 meters. It features mid-green, ovate foliage. In early summer, it produces large, double flowers that are predominantly white, occasionally exhibiting green undertones, measuring between 10 and 13 centimeters in diameter. This is followed by semi-double white blooms that appear in late summer.

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, Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Climber Wall Shrub

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

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

Plant in a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots and base of the plant kept cool and shaded by other plants or a layer of pebbles at the base. See clematis cultivation for more advice

Pruning

Pruning (clematis) group 2

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in late winter or early spring

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids. Cutworms and voles may cut young stems

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), clematis wilt and clematis slime flux