Flowering climbing plants mix (assortment) - 11 cm pot - Height 40 cm - Set of 4

Yes, this set of 4 climbers is designed to s'uit almost any French garden. Clematis montana Rubens, Lonicera Goldflame and Campsis prefer a sunny spot, while Hedera helix ivy tolerates all aspects, even d'ense shade. These four species are hardy and withstand ordinary winter frosts without any special protection when they are mature plants. They are suitable for both city and country gardens, and their rapid growth allows them to quickly cover a trellis or fence from the first season.

The ideal period for planting this batch of climbing plants s'pans from spring (March to May) through'to l'autumn (September to October), avoiding frosts and heatwaves. Planting in spring allows the plants to take advantage of the growing season to s'establish strong roots before w'inter. Planting in autumn in soil that is still warm also promotes excellent root establishment, as the roots continue to develop even when the above-ground parts are dormant.

Each species in this collection has its own way of cl'imbing that is'useful to know. Clematis montana Rubens cl'ings by means of its twining petioles and prefers a fine trellis or taut wires. Lonicera Goldflame is a twining plant: its stems'wrap naturally around supports, so provide vertical bars or wide-mesh fencing. Campsis produces small adventitious roots that allow it to climb rough walls on its own, but fencing guides its growth more effectively.

The growth of this group is generally fast, with variations depending on the species. Campsis is the most vigorous: it can grow 2 to 3 meters per season once well established and therefore requires a sturdy support. Clematis montana Rubens is also very vigorous in spring, being able to cover several meters in length in just a few weeks during its spring growth. Lonicera Goldflame grows at a steady pace from spring to l'autumn, s'tretching 1 to 2 meters per year. Hedera helix ivy is slower but consistent throughout the y'ear thanks to its evergreen foliage.

Yes, the majority of the species in this batch offer significant ecological benefits. Lonicera Goldflame (Lonicera x heckrottii) is particularly popular with butterflies and bees thanks to its highly fragrant, nectar-rich tubular flowers. Campsis (Campsis radicans) attracts pollinating insects and, in southern regions, certain birds such as the green woodpecker occasionally venture into it. Clematis montana Rubens offers small, simple flowers in spring that are frequently visited by solitary bees.

These climbers can be started in pots or containers on a terrace, but a few precautions s'are necessary. Campsis and Clematis montana Rubens are particularly vigorous and eventually reach several meters in height: they will quickly require large containers (at least 40 to 50 liters) to f'lourish. Lonicera Goldflame i's better suited to long-term container growing, provided it has suff'icient volume and r'egular watering.

Clematis montana Rubens belongs to group 1 of clematis, which means that'it flowers on the wood of the'previous year. The rule is therefore never to prune it before the spring flowering, under penalty of removing the future flowers. Just after flowering, generally in May or June, you can shorten the longest stems by'one-third to one-half to control its growth, which can sometimes be spectacular. On a very tangled old plant, a gradual rejuvenation over two to three years is preferable to a single severe cut.