How to Grow Nelly Moser Clematis
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Nelly Moser Clematis
Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
vineNelly Moser is a large-flowered clematis cultivar prized for its striking bicolor blooms featuring pink-mauve petals with darker pink-magenta central stripes. This deciduous climbing vine produces 5-7 inch flowers abundantly during two bloom periods per year. It's an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and garden structures, offering ornamental interest from late spring through early fall.
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Example Nelly Moser Clematis timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nelly Moser Clematis
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 Clematis
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, best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Nelly Moser Clematis timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 months after plantingYoung vine with few stems, minimal growth. May appear dormant first year.
Keep soil consistently moist. Install trellis or support immediately. Protect from harsh winds. Do not fertilize heavily first year.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsVine develops multiple stems and twining growth along support structure. Foliage is lush green with opposite leaflets.
Guide stems onto trellis. Prune only dead wood. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Monitor for pests.
First Flowering
4-6 weeksBuds form along previous year's growth; large pink-striped flowers appear on old wood, typically May-June.
Do not prune flower-bearing stems before bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Provide support for heavy flower weight.
Summer Growth & Second Bloom
8-12 weeksVine produces new growth and sets buds on current season's stems, followed by second flush of flowers in late summer/early fall.
Light pruning after first bloom encourages second flowering. Continue regular watering and monthly fertilizing. Remove any diseased foliage.
Dormancy
2-4 monthsFoliage yellows and drops in fall. Vine enters winter rest period with woody stems visible.
Reduce watering significantly. Do not fertilize. Perform dormant season pruning in late winter (late Feb-early March). Clear debris around base.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected stems immediately, cutting well below wilted area. Improve air circulation. Prune out dead wood regularly. Mulch to protect crown.
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Ensure good air circulation around vine. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if needed. Remove infected leaves promptly.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations.
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Remove by hand in early morning. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth or copper tape. Avoid overwatering which creates favorable conditions.
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Remove debris and dense foliage where they hide. Trap with rolled newspaper or hollow stems. Generally tolerate light feeding damage.
Uses
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftLarge showy blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and last 7-10 days in water. The distinctive bicolor appearance makes them striking focal flowers. [source]
Garden Structures & Vertical Interest
HouseholdIdeal for covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, providing vertical interest and screening while in bloom. Aesthetic enhancement of hardscape features. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Provides nectar source during extended bloom season from late spring through early fall. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryClematis flowers are technically edible and can be candied or used as garnish in formal cuisine, though not commonly used in traditional cooking. [source]
Harvest Tips
Clematis is an ornamental vine grown for flowers, not harvested for production. Deadhead spent flowers just below the bloom to encourage continued flowering and prevent seed production. Cut stems for fresh arrangements in early morning when fully hydrated. Collect seed heads in fall if you wish to propagate.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nelly Moser was hybridized in 1897 by the French nurseryman Francisque Moser and named after his wife. It remains one of the most popular large-flowered clematis varieties worldwide over 125 years later.
- 🌱 Clematis is nicknamed 'Queen of Vines' and has been cultivated since ancient Roman times; the genus contains over 300 species native to temperate regions worldwide.
- 🌱 The central pink stripe on Nelly Moser's petals can appear more or less prominent depending on sunlight exposure—flowers developing in bright sun have more vivid striping than those in partial shade.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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