Clematis 'ERNEST MARKHAM' old man's beard

Ernest Markham is an eye-catching large-flowered clematis with rich magenta purple flowers. They come out in June and continue blooming until August or September if pruned only lightly in early spring. If cut back (as in group 3) the plants will be bushier and flowers will come out later - from about late July and will last longer, mostly until September.

It belongs to Group 2 clematis: in early spring remove dead and damaged stems before growth begins, trimming all remaining stems to where strong buds are visible. These buds provide a framework of second-year shoots that flower in late spring and early summer. The flowers may then be removed. Young shoots bear more flowers later in the summer.

Clematis likes deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil that remains cool. You can grow a plant below clematis that will provide shade for its roots. Add garden compost in late winter and mulch it well. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 06-06-2016