The purity of the bloom with its simple large star of petals makes Marie Boisselet one of the most pristine of the white clematis varieties. The eight petals are huge and have a clear, shining white color that beams from the vine. It grows to about eight feet, which is a medium size.
It blooms for me in June.
Marie Boisselot was introduced in France by Boisselot in the year 1885, making it an heirloom plant, appropriate for Victorian era gardens and later.
Facts at a Glance
- Family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup or crowfoot family
Clematis vines clamber up their supports by way of twining leaf stems and need support to look their best. My Marie B. is growing into a Tamarisk tree, but you may like her on a trellis or a lamppost.
Growing Clematis
Typically a clematis needs:
- Full sun, part sun is tolerated
- Moist, but well drained soil
- Fertile soil
- Added humus in the form of compost or well rotted manure
- Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
More details on growing clematis vines found on these pages:
Christopher Lloyd-
“Clematis do not relish isolation. They are sociable, flourishing on a modicum of competition, good mixers enjoying the company of their neighbours.”
Pruning A Group 2 Clematis
Group B Large-Flowered Cultivars
A member of “Pruning Group 2”, the Languinosa Group clematis, this plant should be pruned in late February or early March (late winter/early spring) removing dead or weak stems, then heavier pruning after the May/June bloom. They can also be left unpruned for about three years, after which they should be cut hard to about 3 feet from the ground.
Pure white of Marie Boisselot blossoms. Photo credit: impure_with_memory
There are two goals for pruning: one is to create a vine framework and the other is to correct the tendency for all the flowering to be at the top of a mature plant, out of view.
It is important to pay attention to the techniques used for each pruning group of the clematis varieties you grow. Pruning according to the correct directions helps ensure plenty of bloom and good form.
The Look, Plant Description
- The vine grows to 10 or 11 feet high
- The foliage is a darker green with graceful leaves and tendrils which are used to clasp supports.
- Foliage is dense enough to provide shade, the plant is a strong grower. It should remain for a long time in your garden.
- Large, flat saucer shaped flowers up to 8 inches wide in pure white with a boss of golden yellow anthers in the center.
Other Facts: Characteristics and Problems
The vines are prone to some problems and diseases, although my plants have remained healthy. Like any plant, the healthier and better grown it is to begin with the more disease resistant. A good fact sheet on Clematis diseases from Penn State:
Clematis DiseasesOld saying about clematis growth:
“The first year they sleep, the second year they creep and the third year they leap.”
Australian Tino Carnevale gives advice on growing vines.
Photos of many clematis, including Marie Boisselot at Clematis Queen.
Similar white varieties:
Henryi, also a group 2 for pruning purposes.
Clematis – Candida Group 2 (B) Clematis
Clematis – Hyde Hall Group 2 (B) Clematis
