Overview
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include climbers, walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas, trees, containers and mixed borders.
About
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' is a deciduous climbing cultivar within the Clematis genus, which belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. This cultivar grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres over 5 to 10 years, with a very narrow spread. It thrives in partial shade, particularly on east- or north-facing, sheltered aspects, and prefers moist but well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, clay, or loam. 'Guernsey Cream' is notable for its interest in the autumn and winter seasons.
About the genus
Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly, mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clematis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clematis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas, trees, containers, mixed borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)
- Cultivation
- Plant in a sheltered spot with partial shade and moist, well-drained alkaline or neutral soil. Supports such as walls, fences, or pergolas are ideal for climbing. Regular watering during dry periods is beneficial.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or weak stems. This cultivar flowers on new growth, so pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings, layering, division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)?
Plant in a sheltered spot with partial shade and moist, well-drained alkaline or neutral soil. Supports such as walls, fences, or pergolas are ideal for climbing. Regular watering during dry periods is beneficial.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)?
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) need?
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or weak stems. This cultivar flowers on new growth, so pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
How big does Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) grow?
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0-0.1 metre. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) hardy in the UK?
Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' (EL)?
Seed, cuttings, layering, division.
More in the Clematis genus
- Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)
- Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis
- Clematis stans
- Clematis × eriostemonClematis
- Clematis × jouiniana
- Clematis 'Edward Prichard'clematis 'Edward Prichard'
- Clematis 'Fairydust' (Vt)
- Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)