Clematis patens 'Hagley Hybrid'

Hagley Hybrid Clematis

4a–9bHardiness zone

SpringSummer

Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks

Winter

Not in bloom

Spring

Peak bloom

Summer

In bloom

Fall

Not in bloom

Peak bloom

In bloom

Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks

Winter

Not in bloom

Spring

Peak bloom

Summer

In bloom

Fall

Not in bloom

Peak bloom

In bloom

Background

'Hagley Hybrid' is a compact, free-flowering clematis with shell-pink flowers, 5 to 6 inches across, and contrasting reddish-brown anthers. It reaches 6 to 8 feet, which makes it one of the easiest large-flowered clematis to keep on a fence panel, an obelisk or a large container, and it flowers from early summer into autumn.

Grow it with its head in the sun and its roots in the shade: mulch the base or plant a low perennial in front of it to keep the root run cool. It wants rich soil that drains and steady water in dry spells. The pink fades in strong sun, so a spot with afternoon shade keeps the colour best.

It flowers on new growth, which puts it in Pruning Group 3: cut every stem back to a pair of strong buds about a foot from the ground in late winter, and it comes back cleanly. That hard cut also sidesteps most clematis wilt, since any affected stems go with it. Deer rarely touch clematis.

Not sure when to prune this one? Read the Clematis Growing Guide - the three pruning groups and when to cut each.

Good companions

Rose Yarrow Calendula

Care guide

SunFull sun to partial shade, with roots kept cool and shaded

WaterKeep consistently moist; water deeply during dry spells

SoilRich, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil

Spacing24 to 36 inches apart

Height6 to 8 feet

Zone4a – 9b

Frost hardy

Seasonal tasks

spring

cutMain prune - late winter / early spring: Before the buds break, work down each stem from the top until you reach a strong, plump pair of buds, and cut just above them.

watchTie in new growth every 2 weeks - stems are brittle and snap in wind if left untrained

watchWatch for clematis wilt - cut the affected stem right back to base and bin it; the plant usually recovers from the deep-planted crown

summer

watchTie in new growth every 2 weeks - stems are brittle and snap in wind if left untrained

watchWatch for clematis wilt - cut the affected stem right back to base and bin it; the plant usually recovers from the deep-planted crown

cutOptional light shear after the first flush fades to push a stronger second flush on new wood

watchOptional - after the first flush: Once the early-summer flowers fade, you can lightly shear the spent growth to encourage a stronger second flush on new wood.

Common problems

Clematis Wilt

Symptoms

Sudden wilting and blackening of stems and leaves, often just before flowering. Whole shoots collapse rapidly while roots remain healthy. Caused by the fungus Calophoma clematidina.

Treatment

Cut affected stems back to ground level and dispose of them, not in compost. Water at the base to keep foliage dry, improve air circulation, and plant the crown deep so the plant can regenerate from below soil. Apply a fungicide if the problem recurs.

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves - usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.

Pests

Aphids

Aphididae →

Symptoms

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.

Treatment

Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.

Spider Mites

Tetranychus urticae →

Symptoms

Fine stippling or bronzing on leaves, faint webbing on undersides, foliage drying out during hot, dry weather.

Treatment

Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days as needed.