Clematis 'Alaina' 3ltr

Part of the Boulevard® collection bred by Raymond Evison, Clematis 'Alaina' is one of the earliest and most free-flowering of the compact large-flowered clematis. It produces masses of rich pink, six-petalled flowers up to 17cm across, each marked with a deeper pink central bar and set off by bright yellow stamens. As the blooms age, the pink softens to a paler shade, giving the plant a charming mix of tones all at once.

Flowering comes in two flushes - first in late spring to early summer on the previous year's growth, then again from late summer into early autumn on new growth. Compact and bushy in habit, 'Alaina' is well suited to smaller trellises, obelisks and containers, and is more shade-tolerant than many large-flowered varieties, though blooms will be at their best in a sunny spot.

Plant in deep, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, with the roots kept cool and shaded - the classic "head in the sun, feet in the shade" approach for healthy clematis. Falls into Pruning Group 2, needing a light prune in late winter or early spring and again after the first flush of flowers. 

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch to ensure strong, healthy growth from the start.