Alphabetical Plant Listing

Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success

Clematis alpina, Clematis macropetala, Clematis Montana, Clematis viticella, Clematis terniflora, Clematis texensis


What is Clematis?

Clematis is a genus of climbing, twining, or trailing plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, consisting of over 380 species and numerous cultivars. These perennial plants are native to various parts of the world, including Asia and North America. Clematis is prized for its showy, diverse, and often fragrant flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

Flowers: The flowers come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, from small, bell-shaped blooms to large, star-like flowers. Colors include white, pink, purple, red, blue, and bicolor combinations.

Blooming season: The flowering period depends on the species and cultivar, but generally, clematis bloom from late spring to fall. Some species, like Sweet Autumn Clematis, are known for their fragrant flowers, which emit a sweet scent in the fall months. Learn more about clematis and their blooming seasons.

Height: This vine varies greatly in size, with some species and cultivars growing only a few feet tall while others can reach heights of 20 feet (6 meters) or more. The plants climb using their leaf stalks, which wrap around supporting structures such as trellises, arbors, fences, or other plants.

Hardiness: The plants are hardy in USDA zones 4-11, depending on the species and cultivar.

Landscape uses: Clematis plants are versatile and can be used in various garden settings, including vertical gardens, mixed borders, containers, and as ground covers. They can also be trained to climb over arbors, pergolas, fences, or walls, providing a stunning visual display and adding height to the garden.

Toxicity: Some parts, particularly the foliage, can be toxic if ingested, causing irritation and discomfort. It is essential to keep pets and children away from these plants to avoid accidental ingestion.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Climbers, Shrubs
Plant Family Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Clematis Great Plant Combination Ideas with Clematis Guides with Clematis

nnattalli/Shutterstock

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.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Climbers, Shrubs
Plant Family Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Clematis Great Plant Combination Ideas with Clematis Guides with Clematis

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.