Clematis 'Willy'
alpine clematis (group 1) (syn. Clematis alpina Pink Willy)
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil, neutral soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Small, bell-shaped flowers that are pale pink darkening to towards the base, with deeper pink undersides and cream anthers, appear on this is early-flowering clematis from April to May, and are later followed by fluffy seed-heads. 'Willy' is a great clematis for a north or east-facing wall or trellis, and given suitable support it may be grown on its own or allowed to scramble through a strong shrub or tree. - Garden care: Climbing clematis need their roots to be kept cool and moist, so plant the base of these clematis in light shade or provide shading with other plants or a dressing of pebbles. In early spring cut back the previous year's stems to a pair of strong buds about 15-20cm (6-8in) above ground-level and apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the plant, avoiding the immediate crown.
- Humans: Skin irritant; Pets: Harmful if eaten