Recommendation for clematis to climb downspout

10 years ago

I'd like to get a clematis to train to cover a downspout. I'd buy one of those specially formed downspout wire trellises that wrap around the length of the spout. The downspout is one story high (about 8-9 feet to the eaves), so I'd like to find a variety that will grow to the top and cover the trellis but won't require too much pruning during the growing season. I'd also prefer to have a Group 3 so that I can cut it low during the winter and not have to look at bare vines.

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NHBabs z4b-5a NH

10 years ago

caroline94535, Of my usual clematis nurseries, Brushwood and Silver Star Vinery are both sold out, though they typically carry it. Joy Creek nursery, Hummingbird Farm Nursery, and Bluestone Perennials all have it in stock. The size will vary with Joy Creek's being the largest, with Hummingbird Farm's a close second in size, and Bluestone's will be quite small. I have found all these nurseries send plants that have grown well for me, but the smaller ones take longer to size up and will need more attention from you this summer.

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Comments (6)

hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
10 years ago
Reliable type IIIs: Polish Spirit, Etoile Violette, Venosa Violacea. Your climate may be different but here if I tip-prune after bloom I get another round of flowers.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Additional reliable type 3's that grow in my garden and should be about the right height: Mikelite, Avant-Garde, Viola, Little Bas, Romantika, John Huxtable.
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buyorsell888
10 years ago
Prince Charles is a nice shorter III, Polish Spirit is a monster for me
caroline94535
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
AJS317 - I'm so glad you posted this question, and I'm so glad you received wonderful suggestions...because...

I didn't know I needed a downspout clematis and its accompanying downspout trellis. Now I do! I have the perfect downspout, in a perfect clematis siting, just waiting to fulfill their destinies.

I also want a Type III for the same reasons you posted.

I looked up each of the varieties suggested by the three kind souls above and made my choice! I will dig out and enrich the planting area, order the trellis and get it attached to the downspout, and order a Venosa Violacea!

It will have to arrive by mail order since the two garden centers in "town" - a 45 minute (one way) drive away - do not have them and can't (?) order them. I could call Fargo to see if any are there, but that's 140+ miles, one way.

Mail order is my friend. Fellow clematis lovers are even more so.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a mail-order nursery for this particular clematis?
ajs317
Original Author
10 years ago
The downspout trellises are great for hiding those unfortunate necessities attached to the house! This may be obvious but just make sure you have a tray or pipe at the bottom to move the water out past the plant. I think most plants won't like being planted right where that much water discharges.