Yes. In fact I imagine it's probably better to plant them at once so you don't have to disturb the Lilac later by digging a hole for the Clematis.

Great! Thanks, floral_uk!

That looks beautiful, NHBabs! I'll definitely consider 'Donald Wyman' instead of Syringa vulgaris. Do they smell the same? Also, is it a good/bad idea to plant 2 clematis on one lilac?

Good advice on giving the clematis a temp structure, thank you!!

Marie

Two clems on one lilac should be fine unless they are huge ones like sweet autumn, which isn't well suited to growing on a shrub any how - too large and smothering. I try to choose clematis that have a longer internode length (distance between leaves) so that they don't create too much shade for the shrub. In general those aren't the new shorter cultivars.

I cannot answer the question about the scent, since DH has no sense of smell but loves them anyway, and I am allergic to them so try to not spend time in that part of the garden when they are blooming. I know they have at least some scent. The flowers look a bit different, with looser panicles and somewhat different color, so be sure you like them first. They also bloom after my regular lilacs. When I planted mine I didn't realize that it wasn't the usual species. They don't get mildew ever in my garden unlike the old-fashioned ones.

Thanks, NHBabs! I was asking about the scent because DH has mentioned a few times that he would love a lilac on our property, specifically for the amazing scent.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. Nobody grows clematis on trees and shrubs in my neck of the woods, so I had nobody locally to ask.

Marie

I was inspired by another gardener here on GW many years ago, and I've been doing this for at least a dozen years. It's a great way to trellis clematis and add interest to shrubs that have a short bloom time.