Clematis ‘The Countess of Wessex’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Perfect for the patio, Clematis ‘The Countess of Wessex’ is a compact, deciduous climber which produces masses of large, gleaming white flowers, 5-6 in. (12-15 cm), adorned with a pale pink stripe and a crown of deep red stamens. The ruffled edges on the petals add a romantically feminine finish. Blooming in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall, you can count on two flower shows a year. This large-flowered Clematis is perfect for containers, small trellises, or obelisks.

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in bright shade. This Clematis is best enjoyed when planted in north, west, or northwest facing locations.
• Hardy, it is incredibly free-flowering and can quickly grow up to 3-4 ft. long (90-120 cm).
• This Clematis belongs to the third group of Clematis – a group including Clematis which flower in late summer on growth made in that season. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring and require ‘hard pruning’: simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1ft. (30 cm) above ground level before growth begins in early spring.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, and their wide array of colors and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year! Members of the Ranunculaceae family, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden whether solely trained on walls, arbors, or trellises, or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.