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

Yes, the 'The President' Clematis (Clematis 'The President') is a fully hardy climber, capable of withstanding French winters without any special protection in the vast majority of regions. It can withstand very low temperatures, as its rootstock remains alive underground even after the deciduous foliage has fallen. In spring, it grows vigorously again from the base. In the coldest areas (northeast, mountains), a generous layer of mulch at the base is sufficient to protect the roots and ensure good new growth.

Clematis 'The President' flowers in two waves: a first abundant bloom from June to July, then a second bloom, often lighter, in late 'summer until'September. In total, it can display its large purple flowers for three to four consecutive months in good conditions. Light pruning after the first wave encourages the production of new flower buds. I't is o'ne of the longest-flowering clematis among large-flowered cultivars.

The Clematis 'The President' can be grown entirely in a pot or large planter, provided you 'use a container of 'at least 30 to 40 liters to allow for good root development. Choose a well-draining, lightweight, organic-rich potting mix. Install a sturdy support (trellis, stake, obelisk) at planting, as the plant climbs quickly. Place the pot in full sun while shading the base with another pot or groundcover plants. Water regularly, as a container dries out faster than 'the ground.

Clematis 'The President' belongs to size group 2, m'eaning that 'it flowers on both old wood (early d'summer bloom) and new wood (late-'summer bloom). At the end of 'winter, prune lightly, removing only dead or damaged stems without cutting back too severely. After the first flush of flowers in July, you can prune more heavily to encourage the second summer bloom. Always guide new shoots onto the support to prevent them from becoming tangled and difficult to untangle.

Clematis 'The President' can tolerate light partial shade, particularly in an east or west-facing position, but it flowers much better in full sun or in a position that receives sunlight for much of the day. In 'deep shade, flowering becomes sparse and the stems 'become leggy in search of light. The ideal compromise remains the classic rule for clematis: roots in 'shade (protected by mulch or o'ther plants) and foliage in full light, which ensures generous flowering without drying out the roots.

The 'The President' clematis is a fast-growing climber: in favorable conditions, it can gain 1 to 2 meters in height per growing season. At maturity, it reaches 2.5 to 3 meters in height, sometimes more on a very exposed support. It attaches itself by means of its twining petioles, which wrap around wires, mesh, or the slats of a trellis. From the first year after planting, it takes over its support spectacularly, quickly forming a leafy and flowering curtain.

To cover a standard fence measuring 2 metres high and 3 metres long, allow 2 to 3 feet of 'The President' spaced 80 cm to 1 metre apart. For a pergola or garden gate, 2 plants positioned on each side are generally sufficient to create a full and flowering effect within two to three seasons. The pack of 2 plants offered by Plant and Stories is therefore perfectly sized for an initial cladding project or for planting on either side of 'an'entrance. For a continuous flowering hedge, allow one plant every 80 cm.