Their flowers are incredibly large, 6-10 in. across (15-25 cm). Star-shaped, they may be single, semi-double or double and are available in a wide range of colors. They usually bloom in two waves. They bloom in late spring or early summer on the previous year's growth. They often repeat blooming in late summer and early fall on new wood. 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 can be grown in large containers too.

Their flowers are impressively large, 5-8 in. across (13-20 cm). Star-shaped, they may be single, semi-double or double and are available in a wide range of colors. They usually bloom in two waves. They bloom between early and mid summer on new wood. They often repeat flowering in late summer and early fall. 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 can be grown in large containers too.

The Atragene group of clematis includes early and small-flowering clematis, which are extremely hardy, undemanding and among the easiest to grow. Planted near a window, they reward gardeners with elegant and colorful blossoms when there is so little color in the garden. Very cold-hardy, these Clematis do not mind north and east walls. Most clematis in this group originate from Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala, both found in mountainous regions across Europe (C. alpina) or northern China, eastern Siberia and eastern Mongolia (C. macropetala). They bloom profusely from mid to late spring and occasionally in late summer. The flowers give way to very ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest. 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.

The earliest Clematis to flower, the Evergreen group includes small-flowering clematis which provide gardeners with some of the greatest pleasures in winter. Blooming from midwinter onward, these very early flowering Clematis transform boundary walls and fences into leaving leafy screens and reward us with profuse flowering at a time when the garden has little to offer. Their evergreen foliage remains handsome year-round and provides multiseason interest.

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. Among the easiest Clematis to grow, Herbaceous Clematis are long-lived. 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. Depending on your geographic area, you may enjoy 2 or 3 waves of colorful blooms. They are ideal for growing through plants in the herbaceous border.

Healthy, sturdy, easy to please, the Montana group of clematis includes the most vigorous deciduous climbers within the clematis family. Their flowers are not as large or flashy as those of the large-flowered Clematis varieties, but they are full of charm, fragrant and so abundant! A plant can get covered with thousands of blooms, rewarding gardeners with a spectacular floral display. These Chinese natives are very strong growers and will happily throw their shoots in splendid flowering trails over arbors, trellises, pergolas and other garden structures.

The small-flowered Orientalis group contains the truly yellow clematis. Mostly originating from central Europe and Asia, this group comprises species such as Clematis orientalis, Clematis serratifolia, Clematis tangutica or Clematis tibetana. Their bright yellow flowers are 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 months. They bloom profusely from mid-late summer to late fall and make a particular conspicuous appearance in autumn when color has disappeared elsewhere in the garden. 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. 

The Viticella group of clematis originates from Southern Europe (Italian Clematis) and includes deciduous climbing shrubs regarded as being durable, easy-care, vigorous and free-flowering. They bloom profusely over a long period extending from midsummer to fall. 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 can be grown in large containers if these vigorous climbing vines have room enough to grow.