Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’

anemone clematis

  • © T&L Nursery

Outstanding Qualities

‘Elizabeth’ sets the standard for all other Clematis montana cultivars. This vigorous deciduous vine is covered in late spring with a profusion of 3-inch dogwood-like pink flowers. The buds are light pink & white opening to a mauve pink that quickly fades to a blush pink edged in darker tones. This cultivar is the most fragrant of all the montanas, and in full bloom the surrounding air is permeated with a sweet vanilla fragrance. As the flowers begin to fall, bronzy new foliage fills in which gradually changes to green in early summer.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: vine

Growth Habit: vining

Foliage Type: deciduous

Plant Height (10-year): 40 ft. 0 in. (12.19 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 40 ft. 0 in. (12.19 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 9

Flower Color: pink

Flowering Time: spring

Sun/Light Exposure: light to open shade or full sun - but avoid hot, reflected heat!

Water Requirements: occasional watering

Seasonal Interest: late spring flowers

Culture Notes

This vigorous clematis is a large grower and requires plenty of space to spread. It will grow best in light to open shade or full sun if the location is not a hot spot. Provide a site with rich well-drained soil where it can be occasionally watered during dry weather. Plant vines that are well rooted and at least two years old. In our climate planting too deeply can smother the roots. Set young plants at the same depth they were in their nursery pots. Clematis are heavy feeders and appreciate fertilizing in spring. This clematis blooms on one year old stems so prune lightly in late winter only removing congested or tangled growth or if heavy pruning is required do it immediately after flowering in spring.