The pure white flowers of clematis ‘Snowdrift’ grow in such abundance that they are reminiscent of a snowdrift. This hybrid stands out from other clematis for its white flowers that have long slender petals that extend in a propeller shape. This plant is a valuable garden addition for its pretty flowers and year-round green leaves.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
For a climbing vine that both looks and smells so sweet, the Armandii Snowdrift Clematis is a wonderful choice! Whether you place it on a trellis, archway, or as an entrance to a garden, this vine adds beautiful color and scent anywhere it’s planted.
With deep green leaves and snowy white flowers that appear from late winter to early spring, your yard will transform with this stunning bit of greenery. The star-shaped flowers are a lovely shape, giving the appearance of snowflakes!
Though it takes a while to establish, once it does it grows quickly! It’s adaptable to drought and resists pests, making this a hardy addition to any yard.
This low-maintenance plant is perfect if you want to add an alluring aroma and elegant blooms to your green space. It requires little water in comparison to similar plants, and its height elevates your garden!
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Some varieties of armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ prefer full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Although some varieties of armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ will bloom better in a fully shaded area (for example Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ and Clematis ‘Henryi’), they generally need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is moderately resilient to temperature fluctuations. It can tolerate cold down to -10°C (14°F) and heat up to 35°C (95°F). These tolerances mean it requires protective measures during extreme weather, such as mulching in winter or providing shade during heatwaves. Symptoms of stress include leaf discoloration under cold and wilting during heat. To counteract extreme cold, use frost cloths, and in excessive heat, ensure adequate watering and shade. This adaptability makes armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ suitable for diverse environments but necessitates attention during temperature extremes for optimal health.
Watering
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ thrives in a well-hydrated environment, reflecting its origins in moist conditions. It requires consistent moisture to maintain its lush foliage, showing a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged. The ideal watering schedule for armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is twice a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not saturated. As an evergreen plant commonly grown outdoors, armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ benefits from natural rainfall patterns, yet supplemental watering may be necessary during prolonged dry spells to sustain its vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
Soil
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ thrives in its native East Asian habitat with well-drained, fertile soils. It prefers a pH range of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.5), crucial for nutrient absorption. Optimal soil is a blend of loam, sand, and organic matter, ensuring moisture retention and aeration. Create a mix with 40% garden soil, 30% compost, 20% sand, and 10% perlite. Ensure good drainage to prevent water-logging by incorporating coarse sand or grit. Use balanced fertilizers during the growing season for enhanced growth.
Fertilizing
To bolster armand clematis ‘Snowdrift”s growth and flowering, utilize balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and high-nitrogen formulas pre-bloom. Bi-monthly fertilization during active growth with half-strength dilution fosters optimal health. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root damage. Adjust feeding to reduced winter needs; a light application of balanced feed suffices. Incorporate practical techniques like watering prior to fertilizing to aid nutrient absorption and protect roots.
Planting Instructions
Go to the store and buy seeds for your favorite flower color and flowering period. It is generally recommended to plant the seeds in nursery pots in the spring or fall. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted into flower pots or the garden. If armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is grown in a pot, it is best to use a ceramic flower pot (this helps keep the plant cool in the summer and warm in the winter). If armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is planted in the garden, choose the planting site carefully because it does not like to be transplanted multiple times.
Select a well-drained planting area and cultivated soil. Determine the depth of the planting hole based on the size of the seedling’s root system. Once the hole has been dug, it is recommended that some gravel be placed at the bottom of the pit to ensure good drainage. The drainage layer should be backfilled with mixed soil 5 cm thick.
Disperse the plant’s roots into a radial pattern and place it in the hole. Hold the upper part of the plant in your hand to control the planting depth. Add soil to a depth of 2/3 of the hole, then slowly lift the root into place to ensure it is fully in contact with the soil. The soil should then be compacted and the plant watered.
Additionally, since armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is a climbing plant, it is recommended that some climbing support is provided and that enough space is available for it to look attractive and ornamental. Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ can only attach itself to relatively thin supports, so the climbing support should not be too thick – thin string or wire is advised.
Pruning
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ can be pruned before it flowers or between late winter and early spring. Before flowering, remove any withered or weak branches to avoid excessive nutrient consumption. For better nutrient concentration and more attractive flowers, it is also advised to selectively prune some branches, even if they are growing well. Try to avoid too much pruning in summer, because in hot weather having more leaves can promote evapotranspiration and maintain normal water circulation in armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’.
In the late winter and early spring, heavy pruning of armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’, especially for late-blooming varieties, can stimulate the growth of new branches, make armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ grow better, and result in a better shape the following year. For example, prune it to one-third of its original height. For early-blooming varieties, it is not recommended to prune too much.
It is recommended that half of the branches are pruned, leaving only thick ones behind. After being pruned like this, armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ will have a longer blooming season, and the number of flowers will increase year by year with the increasing number of branches. The above method can be applied to all varieties of armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’, including those you are unsure about how to prune.
After pruning, armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ tends to end its dormancy period and start growing. If the weather is not suitable for the growth of new branches, it is recommended to wait before pruning.
Propagation
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ thrives when propagated through cuttings. Begin with healthy stem cuttings and ensure each possesses a set of leaves for optimal growth. Rooting hormone can enhance the success rate but is not obligatory. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Providing a stable environment with dappled sunlight supports root development. With patience and the right care, new armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ plants will establish, ready to display their elegant blooms.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ is from the awakening warmth of late spring into the burgeoning growth season of early summer. Ensure armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ finds a spot with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Gentle handling and minimal root disturbance are the keys to a seamless transition.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ has very beautiful flowers, which can be cut to use as part of a bouquet, or to decorate dining tables or rooms. Choose flowers at different stages of openness according to your flower arrangement requirements. It is recommended to choose half-open or nearly open flowers, which look lovely and have a long vase life. On the day of harvesting, use a sharp knife to obliquely cut the end of the stem and then promptly insert it into clean water in a vase. To extend its vase life, keep it out of direct sunlight, as this will make the flower wither faster.
If you want to harvest seeds of armand clematis ‘Snowdrift’ for reproduction, ensure that the seeds are already mature. Generally, seeds mature from late summer to midwinter, and it is recommended they are collected before the fruit becomes dark brown. If seeds are over-mature, they will enter dormancy, which will lead to late germination once they are planted
