Clematis armandii, known commonly as Evergreen Clematis or Armand’s Clematis, is native to China and was first described by the French missionary and naturalist Père Armand David in the 19th century. It was introduced to Western gardens in the early 1900s by the famous plant collector Ernest Henry Wilson, who sent seeds back to England. This clematis was named in honor of Père Armand David for his contributions to botany, particularly in China where he discovered many species new to Western science.
Characteristics
- Flowers: Clematis armandii produces clusters of small, white or creamy-white, star-shaped flowers with a strong, sweet fragrance. Each flower is about 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) across. The bloom time is early spring, which makes it one of the earliest clematis to flower.
- Foliage: True to its name, it’s an evergreen clematis with long, narrow, leathery leaves that are dark green, glossy, and often have a coppery tint when young. The leaves can be quite attractive even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Growth Habit: This is a vigorous climber, capable of growing up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) if left unchecked. It has a twining growth habit, using its leaf stems to cling to supports.
- Pruning Group: Belongs to Pruning Group 1, which means it flowers on old wood. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to remove dead or weak growth and to keep the plant in check if space is limited.
Cultivation
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates, full sun is beneficial, but in very hot regions, some afternoon shade can protect it from scorching.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
- Watering: Should be watered regularly to establish, then reduce watering as it prefers to be kept on the drier side once established, although never completely dry.
- Planting: Plant with care to not disturb the roots too much. Like other clematis, plant it deeper than it was in the pot to encourage new shoots from below the soil level.
- Support: Needs a strong support structure due to its vigorous growth. It can be trained along fences, pergolas, or walls.
- Mulching: Mulch to keep the roots cool and to conserve moisture. This also helps in weed control.
- Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer in spring can promote healthy growth, but avoid excessive nitrogen which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Winter Care: Being evergreen, it provides year-round interest, but it might need protection in colder regions where it’s not fully hardy. It’s best suited for USDA zones 7-9.
- Diseases and Pests: Generally, it’s less prone to clematis wilt compared to deciduous varieties, but still watch for signs of fungal diseases due to its dense foliage. Aphids, spider mites, and slugs might occasionally be problematic.