Alba Clematis

Alba Clematis (Clematis montana 'Alba') is the climber for burying a pergola, fence or old tree in white spring flowers. It is a vigorous deciduous vine that reaches 6 to 8m tall on a width of about 2m, and it is frost hardy. Medium-sized, four-petalled white blooms open in spring and are followed by whiskery seedheads in autumn.

Why you'll love it

• A spring flower show. White, four-petalled flowers cover the vine in spring and stand out against a dark fence or a green tree.
• Fast cover. Vigorous growth lets it clothe an arbour, pergola or fence line quickly, so a bare structure does not stay bare for long.
• Frost hardy. Cold winters do not trouble it, which suits gardens in the cooler half of the country.
• Interest after the flowers. Whiskery seedheads follow in autumn, so the vine still has something to show once the blooms have gone.
• Any soil will do. It is not fussy about soil, as long as the roots stay cool and the top has sun.

Where it works best

Arbours and pergolas. Plant one at each post, about 2m apart, and let the stems wind up and across the roof.

Fence lines. Train it along wires or a trellis at 2m spacing. Annual pruning keeps it in check where space is tight.

Up large trees. Plant on the sunny side of an established tree and let it climb through the canopy, with the tree supplying the support.

Growing Alba Clematis in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny, open position with plenty of room to climb. It does best in cool temperate, Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens. This is a cool-country climber, so in frost-free subtropical gardens it flowers less reliably.

Soil. Any soil is suitable. Clematis perform better with cool roots, so plant a groundcover or low shrubs at the base, or mulch deeply, and keep the roots shaded while the top reaches the sun.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune straight after flowering to keep it in check. It flowers on the previous season's growth, so cutting late in the year removes next spring's display.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alba Clematis as tube stock and 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and it is the economical way to cover a long fence. Tie the first shoots to the support as soon as it is planted. In the first season it spends its energy on roots and climbing, and the flower display builds over the seasons that follow.

Our tubes are supplied by our grower, so they are not always on hand. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse climbers for pergolas and fences
• Frost hardy plants for cold gardens
• Plants that suit cool climates
• More fast growing plants

Common questions

How big does it get?

It grows 6 to 8m tall and about 2m wide. In a smaller garden, prune it every year straight after flowering and it stays manageable.

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering. The flower buds form on last season's growth, so a winter or late prune cuts off the next show.

Is it safe around pets?

No. Clematis is mildly toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning and plant it where pets will not chew the stems.