Clematis 'montana var. wilsonii'

Clematis 'montana var. wilsonii' is a wild form from western China, collected by Ernest Henry Wilson in 1907 and later named after him. Its 5 cm flowers consist of four slightly twisted white sepals with strikingly large greeny-cream stamens at the centre. They carry a strong scent that often recalls chocolate. Slightly thicker foliage than other montana clematis and a less reddish spring flush complete the picture.

Flowering begins in June, clearly later than in most other montana clematis — almost like a summer-flowering variety. At around 400 cm (occasionally close to 10 m), it is a vigorous twining climber and needs a generous support such as large trees, conifers, walls or fences. The scent is strongest in the sunniest position; the soil should be rich in nutrients and the site not too damp.

'montana var. wilsonii' is hardy to zone 7 (about -17.7 to -12.3 °C). Pruning should be avoided where possible; if necessary, cut the plant back to about 100 cm in June after flowering — ideally in stages over several years.