The clematis vine comes in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Clematis vine is one of thebest perennials for your garden.
These plants dress upany structure they climbwith their flowers that come in an array of shapes and colors.
David McDonald.Credit:David McDonald
Bloom time ranges from late spring to fall, depending on the bang out and variety.
David McDonald
The bloom time of clematis vines varies depending on the species.
Many new varieties are rebloomers, but most older types will only bloom for one season.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
However, even after blooming, clematis flowers add interest.
As the seed heads mature, they expand to become fluffy balls that look especially pretty indried floral arrangements.
Where to Plant Clematis
Clematis is a perennial vine thatgrows in USDA Hardiness Zones 49.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It thrives in the garden or when planted in containers.
Although most clematis plants are vining types, there are some shrubby clematis varieties available.
Use these clematis care tips to have the best results with your plants.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Light
Clematis generallyprefers full sun, but a few varieties can grow in partial shade.
Soil and Water
A clematis vine preferswell-drained soiland consistent moisture.
Certain species are more drought-resistant and can handle dry soils better than others.
Credit: Matthew Benson
If the top 1 inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water your clematis.
Fertilizer
Clematis has a reputation as a heavy feeder, sodon’t neglect regular fertilization.
Begin in the spring after the buds form and use a low nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10).
Credit: Matthew Benson
Continue to feed the plant every four weeks or so throughout the season using a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning clematis vinesis quite simple.
There are three main classes when it comes to pruning, numbered accordingly.
Credit: Matthew Benson
The group numbers indicate how to prune.
Try only to cut off dead wood.
Group 2: Vines bloom on both newandold growth.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Any major work should be done just after theprimary bloom in spring.
Group 3: Vines all bloom only on new wood.
Plants can become overgrown and unruly if you don’t cut Group 3 back each spring.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Taking softwood stem cuttings from a healthy plant in April or May is a better method for propagating clematis.
When they root, transfer them to separate containers.
It can take as long as a year for the seedlings to be robust enough to be planted outdoors.
Credit: Matthew Benson
The most common clematis are the open-face blooms that reach as large as 7 inches across.
Blooms also come in small, bell-shaped blossoms with outer petals that dangle like little lanterns.
Some blooms have a pleasant fragrance.
Credit: Matthew Benson
The swirling masses of fluffy seeds add textural interest, too.
It’s quite vigorous, climbing to 12 feet.
Its fluffy seed heads look great in the summer and fall.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
It climbs to 10 feet.
Blooming begins in the summer and continues through autumn.
It climbs to 10 feet.
Credit: Matthew Benson
It blooms in late spring and early summer and climbs to 8 feet tall.
It climbs to 8 feet.
‘Betty Corning’ Clematis
Clematis’Betty Corning' produces faintly scented lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer.
Credit: Matthew Benson
It has good disease resistance and climbs to 10 feet.
It climbs to 12 feet tall.
It climbs to 10 feet.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
‘Duchess of Albany’ Clematis
Clematis’Duchess of Albany' offerstulip-shaped pink flowersfrom summer to fall.
It climbs to 10 feet.
This heirloom variety grows 8 feet tall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
‘Hagley Hybrid’ Clematis
Clematis’Hagley Hybrid' bears single pinkish-purple blooms throughout the summer.
It climbs to 6 feet.
It climbs to 8 feet tall.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Josephine Clematis
Clematis’Evijohill' bears unusual double lilac-pink flowers through summer and into early fall.
It climbs to 7 feet.
Jackmanii Clematis
Clematis’Jackmanii' is one of the most commonand popularvarieties.
Credit: Mark Kane
It bears darkpurple flowersthroughout the summer and climbs to 10 feet.
‘Henryi’ Clematis
Clematis’Henryi' bears huge white flowers throughout the summer.
It climbs to 10 feet.
Credit: Marilyn Stouffer
Julia Correvon' Clematis
Clematis’Mme.
Julia Correvon' bears bright magenta-red flowers all summer and fall.
It climbs to 10 feet.
Credit: Matthew Benson
It blooms in early summer and again in late summer.
It climbs to 10 feet.
‘Niobe’ Clematis
Clematis’Niobe' bears deepred flowersin summer.
Credit: Matthew Benson
It climbs to 10 feet.
‘Rhapsody’ Clematis
Clematis’Rhapsody' produces a plethora of sapphire-blue flowersfrom early summer to early autumn.
It climbs to 10 feet tall.
Credit: Mary Carolyn Pindar
It climbs to 12 feet tall.
It climbs to 20 feet.
Sweet autumn clematis can be invasive in some areas, so be sure to check before planting.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
‘Silver Moon’ Clematis
Clematis’Silver Moon' bears silvery-lilac flowers from summer to early fall.
It climbs to 10 feet.
Russian Clematis
Clematis tanguticaoffers unusual bell-shapedgolden flowersfrom midsummer to fall.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
It climbs to 20 feet.
It blooms from early to late summer and climbs to 10 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although the vining types are difficult to work with.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Use those trailing from the bottom of an arrangement.
Clematis wilt is a fungus that affects some large-flowered clematis plants.
These plants are known for their long lifespan.
Credit: Matthew Benson
They can live 15-50 years under the right conditions, making them a permanent addition to your yard.
It can take several years for this vine to begin flowering.
Most varieties won’t start until they are at least two years old.
Credit: Rick Taylor
North Carolina State University Extension.
ASPCA
Invasive Plant Spotlight: Sweet Autumn Clematis.
Home & Garden Information Center, Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
