Clematis Florida Alba Plena

Clematis Florida Alba Plena – Double Flowered Clematis with Delicate Charm

Clematis Florida Alba Plena, also known as Clematis Plena, is a graceful and eye catching deciduous climber prized for its exquisite double flowers in soft creamy white tones with subtle green undertones. This elegant variety belongs to the Clematis Florida family, known for producing ornamental blooms that often appear in unique layered forms. Flowering over a long period from midsummer well into autumn, this variety offers enduring seasonal interest and is a perfect candidate for smaller spaces, patios, or training against a trellis or obelisk.

Clematis Florida Alba Plena stands out for its abundant fully double rosette style blooms that create a soft romantic display. The flowerheads are densely layered with ruffled petals in pale cream subtly tinged with green – especially noticeable when freshly opened. The blossoms are reminiscent of miniature dahlias or classic roses lending a vintage charm to any garden setting.

This clematis blooms prolifically on the current years growth a trait common within the Florida group making it especially rewarding for gardeners who want reliable flower performance year after year. The foliage is a healthy mid green forming a well branched and bushy climber that supports its profusion of blooms with elegance.

Height and Width of Clematis Florida Alba Plena

Typically reaching a height of approximately 2.5 metres or more Clematis Florida Alba Plena is well suited to vertical spaces. It can be grown against walls fences arches or trained through open shrubs for added interest. Its spread is relatively moderate usually around 1 to 1.5 metres making it a good choice for small gardens or container growing.

How Hardy is Clematis Plena?

Clematis Florida Alba Plena is moderately hardy and best suited to sheltered positions with protection from cold winds and heavy frost. While not the hardiest of clematis varieties it will thrive in milder UK regions or with suitable winter care such as mulching at the base and growing in a warm microclimate.

Uses in Garden and or Landscape

With its compact size and showy blooms Clematis Plena is ideal for training up pergolas trellises or small arches. It also works beautifully in plant containers where it can be supported by an obelisk or frame. Its extended flowering time makes it a superb feature plant for patios and courtyards. You can also use it to add late season colour by weaving it through a climbing rose or a taller shrub.

Care Tips

Plant Clematis Florida Alba Plena in fertile well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Like all clematis it prefers a cool root run – consider underplanting with low growing perennials or applying mulch to keep the base shaded. As this variety flowers on new growth prune it in early spring to encourage fresh shoots and more prolific flowering. Group 3 late flowering pruning is recommended.

Although not as flamboyant as its cousin Clematis Florida Taiga – which features frilly bi coloured purple green blooms – Clematis Plena is admired for its understated elegance and reliable performance. Originating from breeding lines influenced by Japanese selections the Florida group brings an exotic flair to UK gardens with a delicate and refined flower form.