Clematis 'Hagley Hybrid', C. 'Nelly Moser' and C. 'Niobe' would do fine there.

thanks,it was a case of montana one - fence nil.

the hybrids I mention are nothing like montana, not woody and nowhere near is vigorous. but you will need to put clematis mesh on the fence for them to cling to.

thanks, something else to go on my list, which is getting longer by the minute,. because of everyones photos. everytime i browse thru them i find myself thinking, ooh i wouldn't mind one of them,...(is the 'Nelly Moser purple, with lg flowers?)

Not exactly purple, it is a pale lilacy pink with a distinctive bar down the centre of each petal which is mauve or carmine is the official description. And yes, it's large flowered - note that Niobe could be planted there too, as it flowers later, in May and then again in September. Remember which one is which though, if you do, because Niobe needs cutting down to about 4/6 inches from the base in mid February, whereas Nelly Moser needs no pruning.

cheers,

Bamboo - I have Niobe down as a group 2, the same as 'Nelly'....I just checked, as well, in case I got it wrong. I only trim it lightly in the spring, as I do with 'Nelly'.

Ooh, blimey, you're absolutely right, I forgot - I always cut mine down every year, sacrificing the early flowers, for a particular reason to do with where its planted, but it is a group 2.. Sorry April, and thanks for picking that up, Spritz.

You had me worried there, Bamboo - I'd go for 'Niobe' before 'Nelly' any time - such a rich, velvety colour. :-)))

Nelly's lovely in shade though, Spritz, and early too.

That's true....the shade bit defininitely - she fades in full sun...but they're both budding up really well! I think Nelly might juuuusssttt win. :-)))

don't know which to choose now, so i'm gonna try and get both.that way i'll have the best of both of them...Thanks

Sorry to cause you 'hassle', April. (and extra money, too! lol)

aahh yes, never mind...but niether of you have said what the colour of Niobe is. i already have a clamatis and it has large purple flowers, its in a tub at the moment and not doing very well so might benefit if i transplant it, any tips?

Oh April - I am sorry!! 'Niobe' is a deep velvety red, almost maroon.

As to your potted one, dig a nice deep hole with lots of compost and a handful of bonemeal, and pop it in...it will benefit from being in the soil, I reckon. It's a bit risky when it's in 'growing mode' but probably worth it. :-)))

its sounds georgeous, and thanks

:-))