Overview
Clematis 'The President' (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 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Clematis 'The President' (EL) grows best in full sun and 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 'The President' is a deciduous climbing cultivar within the Clematis genus, part of the Ranunculaceae family. This cultivar grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and suits a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions with alkaline to neutral pH. Clematis 'The President' is ideal for use on walls, fences, pergolas, and mixed borders, providing interest throughout all 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
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Clematis 'The President' (EL) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Walls, Fences, Obelisks, Pergolas, Trees, Containers, Mixed borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis 'The President' (EL)
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back to strong buds about 30-60 cm from the base to encourage vigorous growth and flowering on new wood.
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings, layering, division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis 'The President' (EL)?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis 'The President' (EL)?
Clematis 'The President' (EL) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Clematis 'The President' (EL) need?
Clematis 'The President' (EL) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Clematis 'The President' (EL)?
Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back to strong buds about 30-60 cm from the base to encourage vigorous growth and flowering on new wood.
How big does Clematis 'The President' (EL) grow?
Clematis 'The President' (EL) reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Clematis 'The President' (EL) hardy in the UK?
Clematis 'The President' (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 'The President' (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)