Your favorite shorter clematis

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi there!

I am looking for some smaller clematis to grow up a 4 ft tall fence. It is about 12 feet long in full sun. Zone 5.

I am considering Piilu and Princess Diana, both of which I read to be compact. But now I am seeing Lady Diana might be too large. Any suggestions appreciated.

Edit: I meant to post in the general clematis forum. OH my. Will try to change it but I am finding Houzz a bit non-intuitive.

Edit 2: Switched to general clematis forum. Yay:)

Also this if for metal fence like this one from Lowe's.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Grand-Empire-Powder-Coated-Steel-Decorative-Fence-Panel-Common-4-1-ft-x-3-4-ft-Actual-4-1-ft-x-3-4-ft/3028522

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Comments (3)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
6 years ago
This is successfully posted in the clematis forum. Alpine Stolwijk Gold, Rebecca and Piilu AKA Little Duckling all grow to 5’-6’ in my garden, but most of my shorter clematis aren’t climbers, so they wouldn’t climb a fence, but instead need to grow up the center of an obelisk or sprawl.

Check out Giselle and Fleuri which should stay short, and my memory is that there are several other early, large-flowered that will stay under 6’ or so. Generally I don’t grow many of the early large flowered clematis since some have been fussy for me, but both Rebecca and Piilu have been easy. Stolwijk Gold is a no prune, early flowered plant with gold foliage that I adore.
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Iowa Blooms z 5
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank You NHBabs.

Ok I hadn't considered that some might not be climbers so thank you for pointing that out. I am looking into the two you suggested. Hmm interesting. I do grow a couple other clematis but mostly I have the problem of them being too big and rambunctious for the structures. Also I have a problem of planting two large ones together. Kind of in general have a tendency to get more plants than I really have space for.

I have an arbor with Blue Angel on one side and I just planted Jackmanii on the other. Now I am worried that is going to be too lopsided and Jackmanii might take over. Wondering if I should move the Jackmanii now, before it gets established. But then I'd need a new arbor or structure....so many decisions.
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My Konigskind clematis has never gotten much taller than 3 or so feet tall. It is one that is routinely recommended for pot culture because of its short nature. The Raymond Evison Patio Collection of clematis are also ones purported to being good for containers and not being as taller as others. Here is a link that might be useful: Raymond Evison's Patio Clematis
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I'm excited to see that two of my babies in the nursery are mentioned here - Venosa violacea and Princess Diana! These are ones I got from Bluestone. The only mature plant I have is Piilu in a container. So I guess for now it's my favorite! LOL! I buy clematis (and come to think of it, most plants) based on how pretty the plant is. I don't seem to have the foresight to think of where I'm going to plant it or what it would look good with. Not much artistic abilities on my part. But fortunately, I do seem to be able to grow things. Oh, and I also buy based on "is it a bargain?". Hence the two blueberrie bushes sitting in my driveway, because it turns out that Colorado soil is too alkaline for them. So I need to get some large containers for them (and more potting soil). So much for the bargain!
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I LOVE my Niobe! Very dark blue red w/o any pink tones to it. This is group 2. For group 3's, I like Walenburg & Gravetye Beauty; once again the blue reds, not the pinky or orange reds. New to me so I can't say how great they grow. I have Ville de Lyon that I am so so about because it is a pinky red. It is advertised as a red, but I see it to be pink. I actually have it planted close to the Niobe & only the MERE outer edges MAY come close to the Niobe. It gets powdery mildew in my yard. Beauty is all in the eye of the beholder, therefore, go check out COTW & do a search with red as the tepal color & the pruning group you are looking for. Come back with a list & I bet any one that has had experience with that particular cultivar will give you feed back. There are so many reds out there it is unbelievable. Here is a link that might be useful: COTW
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NHBabs z4b-5a NH
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
One more suggestion for you. The clematis breeder Raymond Edison has what he refers to as the Boulevard collection, which is all shorter varieties, pretty much in the 4’-6’ range. Cezanne, Samaritan Jo, and a whole flock of others are included, so if you do a web search for Boulevard clematis, you will most likely get some other suggestions.

PS - there is always a spot for another clematis . . .

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Your favorite shorter clematis

Comments (3)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH

Iowa Blooms z 5
Original Author

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Your favorite shorter clematis

Comments (3)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH

Iowa Blooms z 5Original Author

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Iowa Blooms z 5
Original Author