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

Yes, the Clematis 'Piilu' is renowned for its early flowering and can produce its first flowers in the same season it is planted, unlike many climbers which require two to three years. The plants are delivered in 9 cm pots and already have a well-established root system, enabling them to flower quickly if the conditions of 'exposure and 'watering are met. The first flush of pink and white double flowers usually appears between May and June on the stems formed the previous season. A second flush of single flowers follows on the new shoots of 'summer, extending the display until 'September.

The 'Piilu' Clematis (Clematis 'Piilu') is a moderately vigorous climber, reaching a height of between 2 and 3 metres at maturity, making it perfectly suited to small gardens, balconies with support, or standard-height fences. It grows quickly once well established, gaining 1 to 1.5 metres per season in favourable conditions. This manageable size also makes pruning and maintenance easier compared to large, vigorous clematis varieties such as the Montana. It is therefore highly manageable and versatile in landscaping.

Yes, the Clematis 'Piilu' lends itself very well to container-growing on a terrace or balcony, provided you choose a container of 'at least 30 to 40 litres to provide sufficient root space. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and install a sturdy support (trellis, obelisk, or wire mesh) at planting. In a container, watering must be more frequent than 'in the ground, as the potting mix dries out more quickly. Remember to apply a fertiliser for flowering plants from March to September to support the generous blooms that make this cultivar so special.

Clematis 'Piilu' belongs to size group 2 according to the international classification, which means that it flowers both on the previous year's stems (producing the double flowers in May-June) and on the new shoots of the season (single summer flowers). The ideal pruning takes place at the end of winter or very early spring, before the start of vegetative growth. We only remove dead or frost-damaged stems, and slightly shorten the others to a pair of well-swollen buds.

Clematis 'Piilu' pairs particularly well with climbing roses, with which it shares supports and whose flowering gaps it fills. Its pink and white tones 'harmonize with lavender, blue ornamental sages or perennial geraniums at the foot of a wall. To dress the base and protect the roots from the heat, plant a discreet groundcover such as 'Lady's mantle or Hostas in a semi-shaded position. In a vertical arrangement, it 'also establishes very well on a conifer or a sparsely flowering shrub to add color without competition.

The Clematis 'Piilu' is ideally planted in spring (March to May) or in 'autumn (September to October), outside of periods of frost or extreme heat. Potted plants can theoretically be planted in the ground any 'time of the year as long as the soil is 'neither frozen nor too dry and hot. Spring planting allows the plant to gradually 'establish itself before 'summer and 'ensure good establishment. Autumn planting, in soils that are still warm, promotes root development before 'winter and prepares the plant for more generous flowering the following spring.

Clematis wilt, caused by the fungus Phoma clematidina, is a disease feared by clematis enthusiasts. 'Piilu', like most large-flowered hybrids, can be susceptible to it, but proper planting considerably reduces the risk. The main trick is to bury the crown about 5 cm below the soil surface when planting: in the event of an attack, the underground buds allow the plant to grow back the following season.