Clematis 'Mikelite' (Clematis) - flowering climber - 11 cm pot - Height 40 cm - Set of 2

Yes, the 'Mikelite' Clematis (Clematis) is perfectly suited to a pergola, trellis, or fence. Its rapid growth allows it to reach a height of 2 to 3 meters in just a few seasons, climbing naturally with its twining petioles. To get started, guide the young shoots towards the support as soon as they are planted using a few soft ties. Once the first tendrils have taken hold, the plant will climb on its own. Make sure the support has bars or thin wires close enough together for the petioles to wrap around them effectively.

Clematis 'Mikelite' blooms from June to September, offering a very long summer flowering period. The flowers, large and bicoloured (white and deep purple), appear successively on the stems of the 'previous year, which explains the remarkable duration of the flowering. Belonging to size group 3, it flowers on the new shoots produced each spring. To maximise the 'abundance of flowers, severe pruning at the end of 'winter is recommended, as it stimulates the 'production of many young and flowering shoots from early spring.

The Clematis 'Mikelite' prefers a sunny to partially shaded position. It flowers best when'it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, the roots prefer to stay cool: it is advisable to'shade the base of the plant with a thick layer of mulch, flat stones, or low-growing ground cover. This combination of sun for the top and shade for the roots mimics its natural growing conditions and ensures abundant, prolonged flowering throughout the'summer.

Clematis 'Mikelite' belongs to size group 3, which includes late-summer flowering clematis on the shoots of the 'current year. Pruning is 'done in late 'winter, between February and March, before the growing season begins. Cut all stems to about 30 to 50 cm above the ground, just above a clearly visible, swollen bud. Do not fear this drastic pruning: it is essential to prevent the plant from becoming woody at the base and flowering only 'higher up. The following spring, Clematis 'Mikelite'will grow back vigorously with many new flower-bearing stems.

Yes, the Clematis 'Mikelite' is a hardy plant that withstands winter frost without any special protection in most regions of France. Its deciduous foliage disappears in 'autumn, but the roots remain alive and regrow without difficulty the following spring. In areas with particularly harsh winters (below -15 °C), a generous mulch of 10 to 15 cm at the base of the plant is enough to protect the roots from deep frost. The fact of 'burying the crown slightly during planting also provides additional insurance: in the event of very severe frost, the plant can regrow from the buried rootstock.

Clematis 'Mikelite' a'dapts to a wide variety of soils, provided they are well-drained and deep enough to allow vigorous root growth. It prefers fresh, slightly alkaline to neutral soils enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy soils that are waterlogged in winter, as this may cause the roots to rot. Before planting, generously enrich the hole with mature compost or ericaceous soil for very alkaline soils. Regular watering during the first year helps the plant establish itself firmly before the first summer droughts.

Clematis 'Mikelite' can be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace, provided you choose a sufficiently large container (at least 30 to 40 litres) to accommodate its extensive root system. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost and ensure the pot has effective drainage holes. In a pot, watering must be more regular than 'when grown in the ground, especially during summer. Install a trellis or sturdy vertical wire to support the climbing stems. The plant can reach 2 to 3 metres even in a container, creating a magnificent flowering screen of colour throughout the 'summer.