Clematis – Atragene Group

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, the rich diversity of flower shapes, a wide array of colors, and tolerances in terms of exposure and climate. It is no wonder they are so popular! From tree huggers to container varieties, there is a Clematis for every garden and flowers for almost every month of the year!

Members of the Ranunculaceae family, Clematis, include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids and are divided into 12 main groups, each with consistent flower size, blooming season, pruning and garden use characteristics.

Atragene Clematis

The Atragene group of clematis includes early and small-flowering clematis, which are extremely hardy, undemanding, and among the easiest to grow. Most are woodland, deciduous climbers, which can thrive in cold, windy situations and make ideal plants for north and east walls. The most recognized species in this group are Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala, known for their resilience and beautiful bell-shaped flowers.

• Habit and Size: They have a climbing habit and use their leaf stalks as tendrils to twine into surrounding vegetation and structures. Strong-growing, these clematis can reach up to 6-10 feet (180-300 cm).
• Foliage: The leaves are typically compound and green in color.
• Flowers: They produce many small, single or double, bell-shaped, nodding, or down-facing flowers, some with interior ballet skirts represented by their clustered staminodes. Macropetalas look fuller and more double than alpinas as their staminodes are as long as their outer tepals. The alpinas have shorter staminodes and often look like single flowers with a neat central boss. Most come in blues and pinks.
• Blooming Season: They bloom profusely from mid to late spring and occasionally in late summer. The flowers give way to ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest.
• Hardiness: They are very hardy and can withstand temperatures down to USDA zone 3.
• Uses: These clematis are quite versatile. They can be trained over trellises, arbors, pergolas, arches, or fences. They can grow through shrubs, climbing roses, and into small trees. They are gentle plants and do not smother their supporters.
• Pollinators: Pollinators like bees and butterflies are attracted to these plants.
• Deer and Rabbit: While deer are not particularly drawn to these plants, rabbits may find them appealing.
• Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.