Guernsey Cream Clematis

Clematis ‘Guernsey Cream’

Guernsey Cream is a cold-hardy, compact, large-flowered clematis known for its creamy white flowers with pale green centers that bloom twice a year—once in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall. It is a low-maintenance, vigorous climber, making it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, arbors, pergolas, and containers in Southwest Saskatchewan gardens.

Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 4-9 (cold-hardy and suitable for prairie climates with protection in Zone 3)
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Sunlight Needs:
  • Full sun to partial shade (best flowering with 6+ hours of direct sun)
  • Prefers afternoon shade to prevent fading of flower colors
• Soil Requirements:
  • Prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soil
  • Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5)
  • Avoid waterlogged soil, as clematis dislikes wet roots
• Spacing: 3-4 feet apart for optimal air circulation

Watering & Maintenance

• Young Plants (First Year):
  • Water deeply 2-3 times per week to establish roots
• Established Vines:
  • Requires consistent moisture, especially in dry conditions
  • Water weekly during hot summers
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring
  • Supplement with bone meal or compost to promote strong root growth
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth over flowers

Pruning & Maintenance

Guernsey Cream belongs to Pruning Group 2, which means it blooms on both old and new wood.

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins
• How to Prune:
  • Step 1: Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems
  • Step 2: In early spring, lightly prune to shape the vine and encourage branching
  • Step 3: After the first bloom (mid-summer), trim back spent flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, with a second bloom in late summer
• Flower Color:
  • Creamy white with a pale green bar down the center of each petal
  • Large flowers (5-7 inches wide) with yellow stamens
• Fragrance: Mild to none
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Medium green, deciduous leaves
  • Fall: Leaves turn yellow before dropping

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, rabbits, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause leaf curling
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs
• Slugs & Snails – Can chew on new shoots
  • Solution: Use crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the base

Common Diseases:

• Clematis Wilt (Fungal Disease) – Causes sudden wilting of stems
  • Solution: Remove affected stems and ensure good air circulation
• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply an organic fungicide if needed

Winter Protection

• Cold-Hardy to Zone 4, but may require winter mulch protection in Zone 3
• Mulching:
  • Apply 4 inches of mulch around the base in late fall
• Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as this can remove buds for next season’s blooms

Landscape Uses

Perfect for trellises, fences, arbors, and pergolas
Great for cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes
Attracts bees and butterflies
Compact enough for small spaces and containers
Beautiful when combined with climbing roses or shrubs

Companion Planting Ideas:

• Climbing Roses – For a romantic vertical display
• Honeysuckle – Complements clematis with fragrant blooms
• Hydrangeas – Adds a lush, soft backdrop
• Evergreens (Boxwood, Juniper, or Yew) – Provides contrast to clematis vines
• Daylilies & Hostas – Help shade clematis roots while adding color

Additional Notes:

• Guernsey Cream is one of the best pale-flowered clematis varieties
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care
• Great for beginners as it is easy to grow and maintain

Photo courtesy of Springhill Nursery