Clematis ‘Early Sensation’

Description

Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ is a stunning evergreen climber that produces small, white, bowl-shaped flowers with greenish-cream centres in early spring. With its lush parsley-green foliage and a height and spread of up to 2 meters, this clematis is ideal for walls, trellises, or containers. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ thrives year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ is in spring when the soil starts warming up. This gives the roots ample time to establish before the blooming season.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also suitable, allowing the clematis to settle before winter dormancy, leading to stronger growth in spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil for Clematis ‘Early Sensation’. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so incorporating compost or organic matter improves drainage and supports healthy root development.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to allow root expansion.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil for enhanced fertility and moisture retention.
3. Positioning the Plant: Place Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ so that the crown is 5 cm below soil level to encourage strong growth.
4. Backfilling & Watering: Gently fill the hole, firming the soil around the roots, and water thoroughly to help establish the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water regularly during dry spells but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering to prevent overwatering.
• Winter: Reduce watering significantly during colder months, only watering if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote strong shoots and healthy blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light liquid feed during the growing season encourages prolonged flowering.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and promote further blooming.
• General Pruning: Minimal pruning is required for Clematis ‘Early Sensation’. If needed, lightly trim after flowering to shape the plant.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a mulch layer around the base in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulching in winter helps protect roots from frost and harsh weather conditions.

Supporting Clematis ‘Early Sensation’

• Trellises & Structures: Provide a trellis, fence, or obelisk to support climbing stems. Gently tie new growth to the structure to guide its direction.
• Sheltering from Winds: If grown in an exposed location, protect Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ from strong winds by providing a sheltered site or additional support.

Final Tips

Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ is a low-maintenance yet striking climber that adds year-round interest to gardens. By planting in well-drained soil, providing ample support, and following this care routine, your Clematis ‘Early Sensation’ will flourish and reward you with abundant early spring blooms. Whether grown in the ground or a container, this beautiful clematis brings elegance and charm to any outdoor space.

RHS Details

See more Clematis from Proctors