Common Name: Mongolian gold clematis
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: August to September
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Black Walnut
Culture
Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Roots should be kept cool, shaded and uniformly moist. Mature plants have some drought tolerance. Bloom occurs on the current year’s growth. Plants should be cut back hard (to 8-12” from the ground) to strong leaf buds in late winter to early spring. Plants generally need an adequate supply of nutrients during the growing season to support the rush of growth.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clematis fruticosa is an erect, closely-branched, woody shrub that is native to China and Mongolia. It typically grows to 2-4’ tall.
Genus name comes from the Greek word klematis which is an old name applied to climbing plants.
‘Mongolian Gold’ is a cultivar that is noted for its attractive, bell-shaped, yellow flowers that bloom singly or in clusters in late summer into fall. Flowers give way to attractive seed heads. Glossy, lanceolate, dark green leaves.
Problems
Clematis wilt is a potentially fatal fungal disease that can affect any clematis, but large-flowered, hybrid varieties are the most susceptible. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust and viruses can also be problematic. Potential insect pests include aphids, vine weevils, slugs/snails, scale and earwigs. Watch for spider mites.
Uses
This shrubby clematis may be grown in borders or cottage gardens.