How to Grow Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
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Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
Clematis × jackmanii 'Nelly Moser'
vineClematis 'Nelly Moser' is a deciduous flowering vine renowned for its large, showy bicolor flowers featuring rose-pink petals with deep carmine-red stripes and a white center. This vigorous hybrid clematis blooms prolifically in early summer and often reblooms in fall, making it a spectacular addition to arbors, trellises, and fences. It's one of the most popular and reliable clematis varieties for gardeners seeking abundant color and long blooming seasons.
When should you plant Clematis 'Nelly Moser' in your zone?
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Example Clematis 'Nelly Moser' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9
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Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer (8-12 weeks)Vine produces leafy stems that climb and twine around support structures; vigorous leaf development
Train vines onto support; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; prune out any weak or damaged stems
Primary Flowering
June-July (6-8 weeks)Large bicolor flowers (3-4 inches across) with rose-pink petals, deep carmine stripes, and white center appear abundantly along vine
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain consistent watering; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers
Secondary Bloom/Summer Rest
August-September (4-6 weeks)Flowering slows during hot summer months; foliage remains lush; vine continues growing
Continue regular watering; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; maintain support as vine grows heavier
Rebloom and Dormancy
September-October (4-6 weeks)Second flush of flowers appears in late summer/early fall; foliage begins to yellow; vine enters dormancy
Enjoy late-season blooms; stop fertilizing; reduce watering frequency; allow seed heads to form naturally; prune lightly only to remove dead wood
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected stems back to healthy tissue; plant deep to allow regrowth from below soil; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove and destroy infected plant material
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or fungicide if severe; remove affected leaves; ensure adequate spacing
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Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity around plants; use insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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and
Remove debris and dense ground cover near base; use copper tape barriers; handpick; apply slug bait if needed; encourage natural predators
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Remove and destroy infested flowers; trap with sticky bands; reduce nearby plant debris; rarely requires chemical control
Uses
Ornamental Trellis Coverage
HouseholdNelly Moser clematis is prized for covering arbors, pergolas, fences, and trellises with masses of showy bicolor flowers, creating dramatic garden focal points and vertical interest. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe large, distinctive bicolor flowers are striking in floral arrangements and bouquets, lasting several days in water when stems are cut properly. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing essential nectar sources during early summer months. [source]
Garden Structure and Design
HouseholdUsed strategically to soften hard architectural elements, frame views, provide screening, and add vertical dimension to garden spaces. [source]
Harvest Tips
Clematis 'Nelly Moser' is an ornamental flowering vine—flowers are not harvested for culinary use. Harvest flowers for indoor arrangements by cutting stems in early morning when flowers are freshly opened; cut just above a leaf node to encourage side branching. Remove seed heads after flowering or allow them to persist for winter ornamental interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Clematis 'Nelly Moser' was hybridized in the 1800s and named after a British horticulturist's daughter; it remains one of the most popular clematis varieties worldwide over 150 years later.
- 🌱 The distinctive deep carmine stripes on the pink petals are said to be more pronounced and vibrant when the plant receives cooler temperatures and partial afternoon shade, as excessive heat can fade the coloring.
- 🌱 Clematis vines can live for 20-30+ years or longer in ideal conditions, with some specimen plants in heritage gardens over 50 years old and still producing abundant blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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