Clematis 'Guernsey Cream' is a vigorous early blooming vine known for its creamy white flowers with a hint of green and prominent golden anthers. This compact cultivar climbs with ease on trellises, arbors, or fences, and delivers a profuse floral display from late spring into summer. Its moderate height makes it ideal for small gardens or container culture when given vertical support, and its floriferous nature ensures impact even in partially shaded conditions.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, with occasional rebloom
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant once established
Native Status
This cultivar is a hybrid of Clematis species native to Europe and Asia. It is not native to North America but adapts well to temperate garden conditions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by honeybees and native bees such as mason bees and sweat bees seeking pollen and nectar.
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies like Painted Ladies and Red Admirals that seek nectar from its wide open flowers.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports pollinator friendly habitats and acts as seasonal cover for lacewings and hoverflies.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Provide 24 - 36 in spacing between base plantings for climbing support structures.
Landscape Placement:
- Best on vertical supports, archways, trellises, or as a container specimen trained up obelisks or walls.
Companion Plants
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Scentsation' - Fragrant honeysuckle complements the clematis with yellow and cream blooms and adds summer fragrance.
- Campanula persicifolia 'Alba' - White bellflowers echo the creamy tones of Clematis and bloom concurrently.
- Geranium sanguineum 'Album' - Compact white flowers form a bright ground cover beneath climbing vines.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Snow Hill' - Spiky white blooms offer texture and support for low growth near the vine’s base.
- Phlox paniculata 'David' - Tall white flower heads prolong the color scheme into late summer.