The First Lady Clematis, also known as Clematis ‘First Lady’, is suitable for growing in Sun to Part Shade conditions. It is well-suited for zones 5, 6, 7, and 8. These zones represent different regions with varying climate conditions, including both colder and milder climates.
In my personal experience, I have grown the First Lady Clematis in zone 6, which has a relatively moderate climate. The plant thrived in this region, and I was able to enjoy its beautiful early spring blooms.
It is important to note that the First Lady Clematis flowers early in the spring on the previous year’s growth. This means that if you perform a hard prune, cutting back the plant heavily, you may eliminate most or all of the early blooms. Therefore, it is generally recommended to groom this plant after flowering by cutting back only the top one-third to one-half of some stems. This encourages new growth for potential summer blooms.
By following this pruning technique, you can maintain the overall health and appearance of the First Lady Clematis while still allowing it to produce its stunning early spring flowers. This is particularly important if you value the plant for its early blooms and want to maximize their presence in your garden.
To summarize, the First Lady Clematis is a versatile plant that can thrive in Sun to Part Shade conditions. It is well-suited for zones 5, 6, 7, and 8, encompassing a range of climate conditions. To preserve its early spring blooms, it is recommended to groom the plant after flowering by selectively pruning some stems, rather than performing a hard prune. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of the First Lady Clematis throughout the gardening season.
