Clematis

( KLEM - at - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous and evergreen vines and perennial shrubs are popular, eye-catching plants that can add drama and interest to any garden. They require full sun to partial shade and regular water. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Some varieties have large flowers, others have smaller but more profuse blooms. Some are scented, others are grown for their foliage or flower appearance. The most commonly-known varieties are vining, though lesser-known species are upright, bushy growers. Use these as specimens in the landscape, on trellises or other structures, in containers on patios or walkways, or in mixed beds or borders. Take care when planting these shrubs and vines in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Clematis Species and Varietals

The genus Clematis includes around 380 species and countless varieties and is a member of the plant family Ranunculaceae. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek word klema, meaning sprig, sprout, or tendril. The best growing zones for Clematis vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Clematis akebioides (Gan Chuan Tie Xian Lian)
Native to Western China, these woody vines produce bell-shaped yellow and salmon-colored to orange flowers. The species typically grows as a shrubby plant with some vining stems, and is a support plant for other vines in its native habitat. Foliage is similar to that of Akebia plants, hence the species specific epithet. Individual plants produce vining stems up to 10-16 feet long. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Clematis alpina (Alpine Clematis, Alpine Virgin's Bower)
Deciduous; native to Europe and Asia. Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-11 and 14-18. Vining stems reach 6-8 feet long and bloom in early springtime. Flowers come in periwinkle, white, pink, or purple and are followed by decorative seed heads. This species is very cold-hardy, and includes varieties such as Willy' (with light pink blooms) 'Burford White' (with white flowers), 'Constance' (with reddish-pink blooms), 'Pamela Jackman' (with lavender-blue flowers), 'Frances Rivis' (with sky-blue blossoms), 'Frankie' (with soft blue flowers), and 'Ruby' (with rose-pink blooms).

Clematis aristata (Australian Clematis, Wild Clematis, Goat's Beard, Old Man's Beard, Traveller's Joy)
This climbing shrub is native to Australia, and produces profuse shows of narrow-petaled white flowers. New foliage is usually purple-tinged with whitish streaks along main veins. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Varieties with yellow flowers or white flowers with red filaments are available. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Clematis armandii (Evergreen Clematis, Armand Clematis, Armand's Clematis)
This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 12-24 and is native to China. It is a fast-growing vine to 15-20 feet in length and has leathery, dark green leaves. Flowers are white and scented with vanilla, blooming in early to mid-spring. If soil or water is too saline, leaf tips will burn badly. Great in sunny spots, but do need some protection from wind. Can be slow to start, but once established, will grow rapidly. Fantastic for screening, needs pruning yearly after bloom to avoid buildup at the stem. Commonly grown varieties include 'Apple Blossom' (with pinkish white blooms), 'Snowdrift' (pure white blooms), and 'Hendersonii Rubra' (with soft pink flowers). This species is considered invasive in certain regions, including New Zealand and Georgia as well as the Pacific Northwest in the United States.

Clematis baldwinii (Pine Hyacinth, Flatwood Clematis, Pinewoods Clematis, Leather Flower, Pine-Hyacinth)
These flowers are native to Florida in the United States, where it grows in moist prairies and sand dunes. Fragrant flowers are pink-white and bell-shaped. Blooms are solitary and sit on slender stems 12-24 inches tall. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9a and 9b.

Clematis brachiata (Traveller's Joy, Old Man's Beard, Wild Clematis, Clematisklimop, Ityolo)
This hardy deciduous vining plant is native to South Africa, and tends to climb over shrubs and to the tops of trees. Summertime flowers are greenish-yellow to white and highly fragrant. Best in USDA hardiness zones 6a-9b. 

​Clematis x cartmanii (Evergreen Clematis)
This hybrid evergreen Clematis grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. It is a fast grower to 15 feet long and has profuse blooms of white flowers in early to mid-spring. Varieties include 'Avalanche' (with sweet-smelling white flowers), and dwarf variety 'Pixie' (with cream-yellow fragrant flowers).

​Clematis crispa (Swamp Leatherflower, Blue Jasmine, Curly Clematis, Marsh Clematis, Southern Leatherflower)
This vine is deciduous, and grows best in zones A2, A3, 2-11 and 14-24. It is native to the southeastern United States and reaches 5-8 feet or more. Flowers are pale blue and bell-shaped with curled-back tips; they are also fragrant. Blooming period is from late spring through fall. Seed heads that follow flowers are feathery and interesting-looking. Can be trained into a shrub, where delicate stems will be more protected.
Clematis integrifolia (Solitary Clematis, Bush Clematis, Solitary Virgin's Bower, Tube Clematis)
This herbaceous perennial grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-24. It is native to Europe and Asia. It reaches 2-3 feet tall and a little less wide and has bell-shaped blue flowers that are sometimes fragrant. Great for growing in borders. Varieties are outlined below.
'Alba'
2-3 foot tall plant with white blooms.
'Caerulea'
Flowers are blue on a 2-3 foot tall plant.
'Constance'
With large, deep purple blooms.
'Hanajima'
​With amethyst-pink blooms.
'Rosea'
2-3 feet tall with flowers in bright pink.
'Rooguchi'
5-8 feet tall and has deep purple blooms.
'Sapphire Indigo'
Grows best in zones A3, 2b-11 and 14-24; 2.5 feet tall plant with a spilling habit (great for baskets and containers) with indigo flowers.
Clematis macropetala (Downy Clematis)
This deciduous vine is best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-11 and 14-18. It is native to the northern regions of China and Siberia. Individual plants reach up to 6-10 feet long and have feathery leaves. Bell-shaped double flowers come in light blue, purple, pink, or white, with cream-colored inner sepals. Seed heads are silvery and provide interest after blooms have faded. Varieties are outlined here.
'Ballet Skirt'
With nodding, semi-double pink flowers that resemble a dancer's tutu.
'Blue Bird'
With mauve-blue flowers.
'Blue Lagoon'
With deep midnight-blue flowers.
'Jan Lindmark'
Flowers are purple-violet.
'Markham's Pink'
Blooms are pink.
'Rosy O'Grady'
This variety has pinkish mauve blossoms.
'White Swan'
With creamy-white flowers.
Clematis montana (Anemone Clematis, Mountain Clematis, Himalayan Clematis)
This species of Clematis is a deciduous vine that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 3b-9 and 14-18. It is native to the Himalayas and grows vigorously to produce stems that reach 20 feet or more in length. Flowers are profuse and anemone-like, commonly in shades of pink. Flowers will bloom from late spring to early summer. Needs room to grow and relatively routine pruning. Varieties are outlined below.
'Peveril'
Early-summer blooms in white.
'Elizabeth'
Flowers bloom in soft pink, with new bronze growth that matures to green.
'Mayleen'
Flowers are deep pink and foliage is green to bronze.
Clematis montana rubens
Blooms are pale pink and foliage is bronze when new, bronzey-green when mature. Grows to 20-25 feet.
'Pink-A-Boo'
Flowers are light pink and foliage is plum.
'Tetrarose'
20-foot plant with bronze foliage and spicy-scented mauve flowers.

​Clematis ternifolia  (Clematis discoreifolia, Clematis maximowicziana) (Sweet Autumn Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virginsbower, Yam-Leaved Clematis, Clemathy-Vine)
This deciduous vine grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-11 and 14-24, and is native to China, Korea and Japan. Vines grow quickly to 20 feet long and have dark green leaves. Masses of cream-white fragrant flowers bloom in late summer and fall. Can reseed in favorable conditions. Likes warm, sunny locations in the garden and makes a great privacy screen. Wonderful on arbors. This species is considered invasive in eastern and midwestern regions in the United States.

​Clematis texensis (Scarlet Clematis, Texas Clematis, Scarlet Leatherflower, Crimson Clematis)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-11 and 14-24, and is native to Texas. This plant reaches 6-10 feet quickly, and has blue-green foliage and scarlet flowers that bloom from early summer through late fall. Great for posts and trellises, and needs full sun and air circulation. Hybrid varieties of this species include 'Duchess of Albany' (pictured, with vivid pink blooms),  'Gravetype Beauty' (with crimson flowers), and 'Princess Diana' (with rich pink flowers).
Clematis viticella (Italian Clematis, Italian Leather Flower, Virgin's Bower, European Purple Clematis)
This deciduous vine is native to southern Europe and western Asia, and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-11 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 2-11 and 14-24. Reaches 8-10 feet with medium green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. Summer and fall brings a profuse bloom. Easy to grow species that is tolerant of heat and poor soil. Varieties are outlined below.
'Abundance'
With rosy pink blossoms.
'Alba Luxurians'
White flowers that are tipped with green.
'Betty Corning'
This variety has lavender-blue flowers.
'Etoile Violette'
Purple-flowering variety.
'Little Nell'
Flowers are creamy white edged in violet.
​'Madame Julie Correvon'
A variety with red flowers.
'Pagoda'
This variety has mauve-pink blooms.
'Purpurea Plena Elegans'
These vines have double blooms in a rose-purple color.
'Royal Velours'
With reddish-purple blossoms.
'Venosa Violacea'
This variety has white petals edged with a wide band of deep purple.
Clematis spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Clematis)
This diverse group of large-flowering, vining hybrids are deciduous and grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-10 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 2-11 and 14-24. Individual plants produce vining stems that reach 6-10 feet long and have saucer-shaped flowers that grow to be 4-8 inches across. Many varieties are available through seed catalogues, less are available via purchase at nurseries. The following list is divided according to flower color:
White-Flowering Hybrids
'Henryi'
'Huldine'
'Hyde Hall'
'Jackmanii Alba'
'Marie Boisselot'
'Snow Queen'
Clematis lanuginosa 'Candida'
Pink-Flowering Hybrids
​These varieties of Clematis need some protection from bright, direct sun to prevent flower color from fading.
'Caroline'
Pale pink marked with darker pink.
'Comtesse de Bouchard'
Flowers are bright mauve-pink.
'Hagley Hybrid'
Mauve-pink blooms.
'Kakio' ('Pink Champagne')
Vivid pink with a central band.
'Proteus'
Mauve-pink double-flowering variety.
Red-Flowering Hybrids
'Ernest Markham'
Dark magenta blooms.
'Niobe'
Deep red flowers.
'Rouge Cardinal'
This variety has velvety crimson flowers.
​'Ville de Lyon'
Carmine-red blooms.
​'Warsaw Nike'
('Warszawska Nike')
Deep maroon flowers.
Purple-Flowering Hybrids
​'Jackmanii'
Purple, velvety blooms; a very popular variety.
​'Jackmanii Superba'
Purple flowers that are larger than 'Jackmanii'.
​​'Aotearoa'
With rich, dark purple blooms.
​'Daniel Deronda'
Deep blue-violet flowers.
'Gipsy Queen'
Velvety, dark violet flowers.
'Richard Pennell'
Rose-purple blooms.
'The President'
Purple-blue blossoms.
'Viola'
Rosy-mauve flowers.
Blue-Flowering Hybrids
'Ramona'
A popular choice with sky-blue flowers.
'H. F. Young'
With periwinkle blue flowers tinged with mauve.
'Ken Donson'
Blooms are deep lavender-blue.
'William Kennett'
Lilac-blue blooms.
Bicolor-Flowering Hybrids
​In areas that receive hot temperatures in the summertime, plant these hybrids in bright shade to prevent the flower color from fading.
'Asao'
Rosy-pink sepals with a pale pink central bar.
'Barbara Jackman'
Lavender flowers with a vivid magenta bar.
'Charisma'
Flowers are cerise-pink with a deeper pink bar.
'Danielle'
('Vancouver Danielle')
Violet-blue flowers with a carmine-pink bar.
'Kilian Donohue'
Opens pink with a red bar, and matures to lavender.
'Nelly Moser'
Flowers are purple-pink with a red bar.
'Piilu' ('Little Duckling')
Pastel pink flowers with a raspberry bar.
'Starry Nights'
Flowers are 8 inches across, fuchsia with a reddish center bar.
Double-Flowering Hybrids
These hybrids have double-flowering, rose-like blooms that bloom in summertime from old wood. New wood will bloom later, and produce single or semi-double flowers.
'Belle of Woking'
Silvery-blue double blooms.
'Blue Light' ('Vanso Blue')
Flowers are lavender-blue.
'Multi-Blue'
With lavender-blue double blooms.
'Duchess of Edinburgh'
Flowers are white.
'Josephine'
With unusual, double-blooming mauve pink flowers with a dark pink center stripe.

​​Caring for Clematis

Take care when planting these shrubs and vines in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Most species of Clematis need 5-6 hours of sunlight per day to produce the most profuse blooms. Though they do prefer full sun, they require some shade in the late afternoon during the warmest hours of the day, and prefer to have their roots shaded. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting either in the ground or in a container. If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Clematis prefers soil to have a pH of between 6.5 and 7.0 (slightly acidic). Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Cut back vines in late winter or early springtime, removing dead, damaged, diseased, or errant stems.

Fertilize Clematis plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base. Pruning activities will depend on the flowering season of the vine. If you are unsure of when to prune, watch your plant for a year, and make note of when it flowers. For spring bloomers, prune after blooms expire. For those that bloom in summer and fall, prune when leaf buds are emerging, which is usually any time between late fall to early spring. Cut all stems on the plant back to 12-18 inches, making cuts just above a set of healthy leaf buds. For Clematis that flower twice in one year, prune in late fall or early spring to thin out excess shoots, and after the blooms fade each time, prune more heavily to promote new shoots to sprout. Clematis vines will last in the landscape for between 20 and 50 years before needing to be replaced if cared for properly.

Propagation

Clematis vines and shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Clematis, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Clematis by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make your cut just below a node. Then, make a hole in your planting medium by pushing a pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Clematis by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. Clematis seeds are pretty easy to spot on the plant; they appear after flowers have faded and have long, feathery attachments. They will start to detach from their seed heads when they are mature. At this time, cut off the entire seed head and place it in a paper bag. Bring them indoors to work with them; their long feathers cause them to be easily swept away by a breeze.
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Clematis seed heads have a wispy, spidery look to them.
Clematis seeds are dark brown when they are mature.

Problems and Pests

Some species of Clematis are considered invasive in certain areas; see species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Clematis climbing vines and shrubs can have issues with the following:
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale
  • Whiteflies
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Stem Rot
For more information on these issues, including how to solve them, consult the pages linked below:
​

Gallery

Clematis vines can use any structure for support.
Growing multiple Clematis varieties together can create an interesting flower show.
These vines are perfect for adding pizzaz to somewhat small structures, like mailboxes.
In this landscape, Clematis is grown on towers in mixed beds amongst Cymbopogon, Eupatorium, and Bletilla.
Although known mainly for their vining species, Clematis can also take the form of shrubby plants, as seen here.
This beautiful garden features Clematis, Rose, Cranesbill, Delphinium, Artemisia, and Valerian.

Videos

Learn all about this variety of Clematis.
How to repot a Clematis.
How to care for a Clematis vine.
Quick facts about these flowering vines.

Resources

How to Grow a Clematis Vine
How to Grow Clematis
Starting Clematis from Seed
How to Propagate Clematis from Cuttings and Layering
Wikipedia: Clematis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 251 - 253, Clematis