Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh'
Clematis 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a classic flowering vine known for its large fully double white blooms that appear in late spring and again in late summer. Its refined color and layered petals bring an elegant focal point to trellises, fences, and garden structures while adding vertical interest to the landscape.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring and late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This clematis is a cultivated hybrid and is not native to North America but has long been valued in ornamental gardening for its showy flowers and climbing habit.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Swallowtails and Painted Ladies which visit the open blooms for nectar.
Bees
- Draws native bees and bumblebees which gather nectar and pollen from the layered flowers.
Birds
- Provides light shelter and structure for small birds when grown on trellises and fences.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 4 ft apart when planting multiple vines to allow for proper airflow and growth.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for trellises, fences, arbors, and pergolas where it can climb and create a vertical focal point with its large white blooms.
Companion Plants
- Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' (Panicle Hydrangea) - Provides a soft green to white backdrop that complements the crisp white blooms.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English Lavender) - Adds fragrant purple blooms and contrast at the base of the vine.
- Rosa 'Knock Out' (Shrub Rose) - Offers continuous color and structure that pairs well with clematis climbing through it.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Brings vertical flower spikes and a strong color contrast in sunny plantings.
- Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) - Adds warm toned foliage at the base to soften the planting and shade the roots.