How to Grow Nelly Moser
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Nelly Moser
Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
vineNelly Moser is a stunning large-flowered clematis cultivar known for its distinctive bicolor blooms featuring deep pink or mauve stripes on a pale pink background. This deciduous or semi-evergreen vine is a classic choice for vertical gardening, trellises, and arbors, producing abundant flowers in early summer and often again in late summer. It's a vigorous grower that can reach 8-10 feet and is valued for extending the flowering season with continuous blooms.
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Example Nelly Moser timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant 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 Nelly Moser
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nelly Moser dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 4-8; tolerates zone 9 with afternoon shade and consistent moisture
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Get my Nelly Moser timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung vine with sparse foliage and tender stems; plant appears dormant or slow-growing
Provide sturdy support structure. Water consistently. Mulch base generously. Do not prune heavily. Shield from strong winds. Be patient—growth accelerates in year 2.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer, year 2 onwardVigorous shoot and leaf development; vine rapidly covers support structure with compound leaves
Guide stems along trellis. Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Begin light shaping pruning after flowering.
First Flowering
May-June; 4-8 weeksLarge 4-6 inch bicolor flowers appear on previous year's growth; blooms show characteristic pink stripes on pale background
Avoid pruning before flowering. Provide weak fertilizer (too much nitrogen reduces blooms). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat flowering. Support heavy flower load.
Mid-Summer Growth & Second Bloom
July-August; 3-4 weeksVine produces new shoots after first flush fades; secondary flowers may appear on new growth
Deadhead consistently to redirect energy. Prune back lightly if vine becomes too large. Keep watering regular during potential heat stress.
Late Summer to Dormancy
September-NovemberSecond flower flush fades; vine prepares for dormancy with less vigorous growth
Reduce fertilizer. Tidy up dead or damaged growth. Do not prune heavily before winter. Apply mulch for winter protection in colder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant crown 2-3 inches deep to protect from pathogen spores. Remove infected stems immediately, cutting 12 inches below symptoms. Avoid wounding stems. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if problem persists.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur or neem oil spray. Remove heavily infected leaves. Water at base only.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity around vine. Monitor regularly in hot, dry weather.
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and
Remove debris harboring slugs around base. Apply slug baits or iron phosphate products. Hand-pick in evening. Copper tape barriers around support structures.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil early in infestation. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Strong water spray may dislodge pests.
Uses
Vertical gardening and vertical screening
OrnamentalNelly Moser creates stunning visual interest on trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, providing color height in garden designs. Its vigorous growth quickly transforms bare vertical structures into flowering focal points. [source]
Cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements
CraftThe distinctive bicolor blooms add elegance and sophistication to fresh flower arrangements, lasting 5-7 days in water. Pairs beautifully with complementary foliage and other garden flowers. [source]
Pollinator support and garden habitat
WildlifeClematis flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its extended blooming season. The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and nesting birds. [source]
Privacy screening and shade creation
HouseholdWhen trained on fences or tall structures, Nelly Moser provides dappled shade and visual privacy while remaining more refined than heavier vines. The layered foliage creates filtered light rather than complete darkness. [source]
Season extension through repeated flowering
OrnamentalNelly Moser's dual flowering habit extends the garden's color season from late spring through late summer, providing reliable bicolor blooms when many other plants are dormant or fading. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for culinary use. For floral arrangements, cut blooms early morning when fully open. Cut 8-10 inch stems with several leaves. Blooms last 5-7 days indoors. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout season to encourage continuous blooming and maintain vigor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nelly Moser was bred in France by Moser in 1897 and named after his wife, making it a classic heirloom variety still widely grown today.
- 🌱 The distinctive pink stripes on Nelly Moser's petals can fade to white in very hot climates, so afternoon shade in hot regions helps maintain the vibrant coloration.
- 🌱 Clematis is sometimes called the 'Queen of Climbers' because of its spectacular large flowers and elegant growth habit, with Nelly Moser being one of the most popular cultivars for home gardens worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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