The ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ clematis is a popular, hardy, deciduous climber (Group 2) known for its large, fragrant, double white flowers with a creamy-yellow center, often blooming in early summer and again in late summer. It grows 8-12 feet tall, making it ideal for trellises, fences, and covering shrubs.
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Key Characteristics and Care
- Flowers: The flowers are 10-15 cm (4-6 in) across, featuring multiple layers of white tepals with occasional green tinges, resembling rosettes.
- Flowering Season: Produces a heavy, fully double bloom in late spring/early summer, followed by smaller, semi-double flowers in late summer if deadheaded.
- Growth Habit: A vigorous but compact climber, reaching 2.5–3.5 meters (8-12 ft) high and 0.5-1 meter wide.
- Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun, but requires its “feet in the shade” (shaded root zone) to keep the roots cool.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
- Pruning: As a Group 2 clematis, it should only be lightly pruned in early spring, removing dead stems and shaping as needed, as it flowers on old wood.
- Uses: Excellent for climbing up obelisks, pergolas, or through climbing roses/shrubs, and suitable for containers.
This elegant variety is a classic choice for adding a touch of white to the garden during summer.
