Clematis – Herbaceous Group

Group 3 Clematis, Clematis Integrifolia, Clematis recta, Clematis stans, Clematis heracleifolia

Clematis, Herbaceous Clematis, group 3 clematis, Clematis integrifolia, Clematis durandii, Purple clematis, Disease resistant clematis, Long blooming clematis, Red clematis, pink clematis, blue clematis

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.

Clematis – Herbaceous Group

The Herbaceous Clematis group contains wonderful herbaceous perennials for the border, which clamber over other plants. They die to the ground at the end of each year and have no twining petioles to help them climb. This Clematis group encompasses several species, including the decorative Clematis integrifolia, Clematis recta, and some woodier non-climbers such as Clematis stans and Clematis heracleifolia. Among the easiest Clematis to grow, Herbaceous Clematis are long-lived.

Habit and Size: These Clematis species are typically compact and bushy, standing upright and growing to heights between 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). Unlike their vining counterparts, they do not climb or scramble but form a clump of erect or semi-erect stems.
Flowers: Small, nodding, bell-shaped with recurved and often twisted colored outer sepals surrounding creamy-white stamens. They are available in shades of mauve blue to dark blue, sometimes with crimson-flushed buds, but white and several pink selections are available. The flowers give way to ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest.
Blooming Season: They bloom profusely over a long season, from early summer to early fall, with the bonus of attractive foliage. If deadheaded after their first flush of blooms, they will bloom again within 30-45 days. You may enjoy 2 or 3 waves of colorful blooms depending on your geographic area.
Hardiness: Hardiness is generally strong, with most varieties thriving in USDA zones 4-11.
Uses: Herbaceous Clematis are ideal for growing through plants in the herbaceous border. Blooming late in the season, their richly colored flowers distract your eye from the faded blooms of roses and other perennials that they gracefully adorn.
Pollinators: Clematis attract bees and other pollinators, providing a valuable resource in the garden.
Deer and rabbit: They are also not a favored food source for deer or rabbits.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 11
Climate Zones	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Climbers
Genus	Clematis
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Deer, Rabbit
Attracts	Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Pretty Herbaceous Clematis Varieties

Clematis ‘Arabella’ (Integrifolia Group)

The beloved non-vining clematis, Clematis ‘Arabella,’ is a compact perennial renowned for its charming deep blue-mauve flowers. These open-faced blossoms, measuring 3.5 inches (9 cm) across, feature 6 strongly ribbed sepals with delicately curled edges and a prominent central tuft of yellow-anthered stamens. Initially purple-blue with a reddish hue, the blooms gradually transition to a beautiful blue shade. Blooming abundantly from late spring to early fall, this small-flowered clematis doesn’t climb or cling. Instead, it thrives as a ground cover, gracefully drapes over walls, or adds a touch of elegance when woven through plants in herbaceous borders. Notably, it has been nominated as one of the longest-blooming clematis varieties.

Hardiness	4 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Clematis ‘New Love’ (Herbaceous Group)

Elegant and softly scented, Clematis ‘New Love’ is a bushy, deciduous sub-shrub boasting small clusters of purple-blue, tubular flowers along its stems. Blooming profusely from mid-summer to early fall, the blossoms stand out against the backdrop of large, mid-green leaves. This herbaceous clematis forms an attractive open bush and sends up stems that are self-supporting and stay beautifully upright. New Love clematis flowers on new wood. It is excellent in a patio container and is also very suitable in perennial borders, for mass planting and combined with other plants.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Clematis ‘Rooguchi’ (Integrifolia Group)

Clematis ‘Rooguchi,’ blooms abundantly throughout a remarkably long season. This non-vining herbaceous plant features nodding, shiny purple bell-shaped flowers, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long. From spring to frost, the solitary blossoms showcase four ribbed tepals with recurving tips, adorned with a silvery-purple band and sunny yellow anthers. Emerging from black stems, the flowers stand above lush elliptical foliage, creating an enchanting display. Afterward, feathery silvery seedheads extend the plant’s interest.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis × durandii (Integrifolia Group)

Considered a top favorite among gardeners, the renowned Clematis × durandii is a long-flowering herbaceous clematis. This deciduous sub-shrub showcases up-facing, star-shaped flowers measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm). With indigo-blue sepals and creamy anthers, the blooms captivate. From early summer to early fall, this small-flowered clematis blooms profusely. This clematis variety is an excellent choice for long-lasting and often spectacular summer-to-fall blooms.

Hardiness	5 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)

Clematis heracleifolia (Herbaceous Group)

Clematis heracleifolia is an elegant, sweetly scented deciduous sub-shrub. Its non-vining form produces a profusion of nodding, bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer to early fall. The blossoms range from pale blue to blue-mauve and are followed by ornamental seedheads. This herbaceous clematis is perfect for containers, borders, and mass plantings.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Clematis integrifolia ‘Juuli’ (Integrifolia Group)

Compact and extremely attractive, Clematis integrifolia ‘Juuli’ is a deciduous clematis which gets covered with a profusion of large, semi-nodding, star-shaped flowers, up to 3-5 in. (8-12 cm), with 4-6 long sepals in shades of rosy-purple first then maturing to mauve-blue, which contrast with the creamy filaments and sunny yellow anthers. Hardy, it is incredibly free-flowering and can quickly grow up to 4-5 ft. long (120-150 cm).

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Growing Tips

Growing herbaceous clematis can be rewarding, but they require some care to reach their full potential. Here are some growing tips:

Soil and Water: Herbaceous Clematis prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They appreciate consistent moisture, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
Location: Plant your Clematis in a location where they can get full sun to partial shade. However, like many Clematis, they prefer their roots in the cool, shaded soil and their foliage in the sun.
Mulching: Mulch the base of the plant to keep the roots cool and moist. This also helps to control weeds.
Pruning: Herbaceous Clematis belongs to pruning group 3. This means they should be pruned back hard in late winter or early spring as they bloom on new growth. Cut all stems back to about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the ground.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when the new growth begins to show. This will encourage abundant flowering.
Support: Even though these Clematis species do not climb, they may need support if they are grown in a very windy location or if their flower-heavy stems begin to flop.
Pests and Diseases: Watch out for common Clematis diseases, such as powdery mildew and Clematis wilt, and pests like aphids. Regular inspection and early treatment can help keep these issues at bay.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Clematis Types – Which one is yours?

Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success

Clematis – Early Large-Flowered Group

Clematis – Viticella Group

Clematis – Late Large-Flowered Group

Clematis – Atragene Group

Clematis – Montana Group

Clematis – Evergreen Group

Clematis – Orientalis Group

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.