Clematis 'Nelly Moser' (Clematis) - flowering climber - 9 cm pot - Height 35 cm - Set of 2

Yes, the 'Nelly Moser' Clematis (Clematis) is one of the most affordable varieties for a novice gardener. It is hardy, tolerates light partial shade, and requires only moderate watering once well established. Its only particular requirement is to keep the roots cool, which is easily achieved with a 10 cm layer of mulch. Pruning group 2 is simple: you just remove the dead stems in late winter, without any complex operation. In two to three years, the plant grows vigorously and rewards the gardener with abundant and spectacular blooms.

At maturity, the 'Nelly Moser' clematis grows between 2 and 3 metres tall in good growing conditions. It grows quickly, gaining 1 to 1.5 metres per season once well established. It needs 'a sturdy support (trellis, pergola, arch or fence) to 'climb with its twining petioles. The richer and moister the soil, the more vigorous the plant will be. In a pot, growth will be slightly more restrained, but it will still flower profusely with adequate watering and a tall support.

The Nelly Moser 'Clematis' is best planted in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October), outside of frost periods. Dig a hole d'e around 40 cm deep and wide, enriched with compost. Install the plant by slightly tilting the root ball towards the support and burying the crown 5 to 10 cm below the soil surface: this technique naturally protects against clematis canker. Water thoroughly at planting, then maintain regular watering for the first six weeks. Guide the first shoots towards the support as soon as possible to start the climbing process.

Yes, the Clematis 'Nelly Moser' grows very well in a pot on a balcony or terrace, provided you follow a few rules. Choose a container 'at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter and depth, filled with 'well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Install a trellis or bamboo as support. 'watering will need to be more regular than 'in the ground because the potting mix dries out faster. In winter, insulate the pot with a fleece or bubble wrap to protect the roots from frost, which is more intense in a pot than 'in the ground. Fertilize monthly from March to August with a fertilizer for flowering plants.

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' belongs to the size 2 group, which means that 'it flowers both on the wood from the 'previous year (spring flowering) and on the new shoots (slight summer repeat flowering). To preserve the main flowering, you should prune lightly at the end of 'winter (February-March): remove only dead, damaged, or tangled shoots, just above 'a well-formed bud. Severe, close pruning would be a mistake: it would delay 'the main flowering by one year.

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' pairs beautifully with climbing roses: the pale pink of its flowers 'harmonizes perfectly with white, cream, or fuchsia roses. It can also climb over and around 'a forsythia or 'a lilac whose green summer foliage serves as a backdrop. To keep the roots cool, plant hostas, blue-purple perennial geraniums, or dwarf lavender at its base. These groundcover companions serve the dual role of protector and 'decorative companion. In a pot, pair it with trailing pink petunias for an elegant color combination on the patio.

Yes, the Clematis 'Nelly Moser' is a perfectly hardy climber that withstands frost down to'about -20°C. It easily survives French winters in all regions, including continental mountain areas. When planted in the ground, no protection 'is necessary: the stems may freeze on the surface, but the roots and basal buds survive and grow vigorously in spring. In a pot, as the roots are more exposed, it is advisable to overwinter it in a sheltered location or wrap the pot in horticultural fleece when temperatures drop below -10°C.