Clematis – Orientalis 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.

Clematis – Late Large-Flowered Group

The small-flowered Orientalis group contains the truly yellow clematis. Mostly originating from Central Europe and Asia, this group comprises clematis species such as Clematis orientalis, Clematis serratifolia, Clematis tangutica, or Clematis tibetana. Used to harsh conditions in their native environment, these vigorous clematis enjoy so much our temperate conditions that some have ended up on invasive or noxious plant lists.

• Habit and Size: Strong-growing, these clematis are deciduous vines or scrambling shrubs that grow rapidly, with at least three feet (90 cm) of growth per year from sprouts or existing stems. They can reach 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters). These plants are true climbers and prefer a structure or support to twine their leaf stalks around.
• Foliage: Foliage is often mid-green and provides a nice backdrop for the vibrant flowers.
• Flowers: Their bright yellow flowers are small, lantern- or star-shaped, and often nodding. Each flower produces showy pom-pom-like seedheads with silvery silken tails that persist and disperse over the winter and early spring.
• Blooming Season: They bloom profusely from mid-late summer to fall and appear particularly conspicuous in autumn when color has disappeared elsewhere in the garden.
• Hardiness: Hardiness is generally strong, with most varieties thriving in USDA zones 4-11.
• Uses: These Oriental clematis can be trained over arbors, pergolas, or fences. They partner well will the biggest rambler roses and create a stunning effect in conifers that tolerate some companionship.
• 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.