Latest news with #Clematis


Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Monty Don says clematis will bloom in summer with 1 task done now
The gardening expert has one tip to ensure the pretty flower thrives When in full bloom, Clematis produce beautiful, eye-catching, shaped flowers. Their striking appearance has made them popular across the world, however gardening genius Monty Don said there is one way to guarantee the blossom-filled climbers will grow bigger next year. Originating in Japan and China, there are over 350 different kinds of clematis flowers globally, include everything from the dainty alpine clematis to the alien furry-looking old man's beard. Many varieties of clematis are relatively easy to grow is sunny conditions. They require either full or partial sun – though they may not flower as well in shadier areas. The most common cause of a clematis failing to bloom is unsuitable growing conditions. Clematis need a moisture retentive but well-drained soil. The roots need to be kept cool and shaded, but growth and flowering will be impaired if the top of the plant is kept in deep shade. They're also classified as perennial plants, which means they grow back year after year. Monty Don said the best way to give your clematis a boost is to spread compost over the soil, reports the Mirror. Compost typically contains a healthy mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are necessary for plant growth. Writing in his blog, Monty said: "The secret of making it reasonable quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green) like grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it." He adds that this doesn't have to be 'a major operation'. He advises that simply forking through the compost will help spread air through it. The main objective is to spread oxygen through the heap. This will feed the bacteria that eat the decomposing material and convert it into compost. Monty adds that it will enrich your soil with essential bacteria, fungi and nutrients. He describes it as being 'better than any product known to man.' If you're not sure what to put in your compost pile, then looking around your kitchen is a great place to start. Many common food scraps can be used to make a great fertiliser. One popular option is to use banana peel. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps prompt plant growth. Once they break down, these nutrients are easily accessible to plants. Another tip is to use fallen leaves that are lying around your garden. This leftover debris is actually full of nutrients, like carbon. Plus, if you have a dog or cat at home, don't throw out their hair. While it may seem like a weird tip, hair is actually incredibly rich in nitrogen and makes great plant food.


Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rare climbing clematis that was nominated for Chelsea Flower Show hits sale
As the Chelsea Flower Show kicks off this week, shoppers can spruce up their garden for less with a rare, climbing clematis that's now under £15 and was nominated for the Plant of the Year Award Looking for a rare and exotic plant to add a splash of colour to your garden? Gardening Express may have just the ticket. Boasting the Chelsea Flower Show's seal of approval, as it was nominated for the Plant of the Year Award, this rare climbing Clematis could be the ideal addition to any outdoor space, thanks to its exotic appearance and vibrant shades of purple. And what's more, it won't break the bank as it gets its already-affordable price tag axed in this spring sale. Normally retailing for £19.97, this gem is currently up for grabs for £11.97 while this deal lasts. Be one of the first people in the world to grow this amazing new showstopper, a nominee for the Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year Award, in your own backyard. Bred in Japan, this is a dazzling flower, fully hardy and easy to grow and producing a myriad of exotic-looking blooms with a unique look. Reminiscent of the passion flower, this brand-new Clematis is an exclusive release at Gardening Express' website. Stunning and exotic, this climbing glower boasts unique multi-layered blooms that appear over a long period from June to September, turning walls and fences into floral masterpieces. The flowers of this Clematis Taiga look like works of art. They change and transition as they grow, ensuring a beautiful bouquet that changes throughout the summer season. The unique blooms can not be matched by any other variety. The large purple-blue blooms are extremely decorative, with every petal tipped in a paler shade. Clematis Taiga will flower all summer long, so there will be ample opportunity to show off your new masterpiece. This Chelsea Flower Show week is the perfect time to add your own to your garden for a pop of exotic colour this spring and summer. It is perfect for framing a pathway, climbing over an arch, or training on a trellis, fence, or wall. This Clematis can even be grown with support in patio planters, ensuring that, no matter the size of your garden, there is room for a Taiga or two. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Whether you're a green-fingered expert when it comes to looking after your flowers, or if you're a newbie looking for an easy and beautiful plant to get started, this Clematis is super easy to look after, as it will thrive on good, well-drained, fertile soil in a bright sunny spot. What's more, this flower can reach up to 200cm high with 100cm spread, and it can handle temperatures as low as -15c once well established, making it a safe choice in the UK when the temperatures plummet. Producing a profusion of luxuriant double two-toned flowers that are here to stay for many months every year, this climbing flower boasts attractive green foliage. This plant produces palm-sized flowers that develop in three conspicuous stages until fully filled, promising a real spectacle in your garden. Very easy to grow and care for, this Clematis is extremely free, so it can flower up fences, trellis and more, and it's a fully hardy climber, promising to grow bigger and better every year. Selling out quickly from other retailers like Amazon (where it's available for £15.99 but only has five left in stock), you can pick up the Clematis Taiga climbing flower for £11.97 from Gardening Express. Or, if you prefer to shop elsewhere, you can pick the same plant up from Very for £16.99 or from Thomas & Morgan where prices start at £14.99.