Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) — Climbing

Overview

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbers, walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas, trees, containers and mixed borders.

About

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' is a climbing clematis cultivar in the buttercup family that flowers from May to September. It is a deciduous climber suited to full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils across chalk, clay, loam or sand and a range of pH. Rated H5, it is hardy across most of the UK. Place it on walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas, trees or in containers and mixed borders where climbing support is available.

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

In the garden

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' is a cultivated clematis within Ranunculaceae, grown for season-long flowering from May to September and for its climbing habit. As a deciduous climber it twines and needs a framework to climb; it suits upright supports from fences and pergolas to obelisks and small trees and can also be managed in a large container or mixed border. Give it full sun to partial shade and a moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates the main British soil types—chalk, clay, loam and sand—and performs across acid, neutral and alkaline pH levels. The plant will tolerate exposed sites as well as sheltered positions and its H5 hardiness rating means it is considered hardy in most of the UK, surviving typical winter conditions without special winter protection. Position the base where roots can keep cool and provide a trellis or similar support for the stems to climb through the year. Its suitability for walls, fences and pergolas makes it useful where vertical colour is needed; it will also be effective when trained carefully into the branches of a small tree or released through a mixed border. Expect continuous flowering between May and September when sited in appropriate light and soil conditions.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clematis

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Climbers, Walls, Fences, Obelisks, Pergolas, Trees, Containers, Mixed borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)

Propagation: Cuttings, Layering, Seed
Pest resistance: Aphids, Capsid bugs, Caterpillars, Earwigs
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)?

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) need?

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) hardy in the UK?

Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL) has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)?

Cuttings, Layering, Seed.

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