Snowflake Clematis

Snowflake Clematis (Clematis montana 'Snowflake') is a vigorous deciduous climber that grows 5 to 8m and is smothered in pure white, four-petalled flowers in mid spring. It is the clematis to choose when there is something large to cover: a long fence, a pergola or a shed.

Why you'll love it

• Smothered in white. For several weeks in mid spring the flowers are so thick that the stems and leaves all but disappear.
• Covers big structures. With 5 to 8m of growth, a single plant can clothe a pergola or the side of a shed.
• Frost hardy. It is a mountain plant by origin and cold winters suit it.
• Simple to prune. It needs no routine pruning, only a trim after flowering if it has grown too large.
• Summer shade, winter sun. Being deciduous, it shades a pergola in summer and lets the light through in winter.

Where it works best

Pergolas and verandahs. Plant one at a post and train the main stems up and across. One plant is usually enough for a domestic pergola.

Long fences. Space plants 3 to 4m apart on a fence fitted with wires or mesh. The leaf stalks twist around thin supports to climb.

Sheds and tanks. It is one of the quickest ways to hide a plain shed, garage wall or water tank, given wires to climb.

Growing Snowflake Clematis in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or part shade with the roots kept cool and shaded. It is a plant for cool temperate and warm temperate climates and is frost hardy. It performs poorly in the humid subtropics and tropics, where it lacks the winter chill it wants.

Soil. Deep, moist, well-drained soil improved with compost. Mulch thickly over the root zone.

Water and feed. Water regularly through spring and summer, especially in its first two years, and do not let it dry out in hot weather. Feed in early spring and again after flowering.

Pruning. It flowers on old wood, the growth made in the previous year. Prune straight after flowering and only if needed, to reduce size or remove tangles. Pruning in autumn or winter cuts off the coming spring's flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Snowflake Clematis in 140mm pots in packs of 10, which suits long fence lines and larger properties. It is deciduous, so plants sent in the cooler months may arrive as bare stems. This is normal and they shoot in spring. Handle the thin stems gently, plant with the root ball shaded and tie the stems to the support to start them off. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

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 our climbers
• Frost hardy plants
• Plants for cool climates
• The best plants to soften fences and retaining walls

Common questions

When should I prune it?

Only straight after flowering in spring, and only if it needs it. It flowers on the previous year's wood, so later pruning removes next year's display.

How big does it get?

It grows 5 to 8m, so match it to a structure that can carry it. It is too vigorous for a small obelisk or a short trellis panel.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Clematis are irritant and toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.