Pretty Clematis for Small Gardens

Best Clematis, Small Gardens, Balconies

container planting, container growing, Clematis for small gardens, Clematis for Balconies, clematis for containers, large flowered clematis, early clematis, late clematis

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, and their 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. The spectacular diversity of flower colors, sizes, and forms will astound you. Ranging from glorious shades of red, purple, and blue to yellow and white, the flowers can be less than 1 in. wide (2.5 cm) to over 6 in. across (15 cm). Single or double, the blooms can be urn-shaped, bell-shaped, star-shaped or tubular-shaped. As an added bonus, some are delightfully fragrant.

Many Clematis varieties make terrific container plants and can be grown on large balconies. They are well suited to small gardens too. Here is a list of pretty Clematis that will reward you with their elegant blooms from early spring to late summer.

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 11
Plant Type	Climbers
Genus	Clematis
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height
Spread
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Deer, Rabbit
Attracts	Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Small Gardens

Pretty Clematis for Small Gardens

Clematis ‘Alaina’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

With its compact habit, Clematis ‘Alaina’ is a shade-tolerant and very free-flowering variety. It showcases plump pink flowers, up to 6 inches (15 cm) across, with pointed to rounded petals. The broad sepals open rich rose and gradually fade to bubblegum pink, accentuated by darker midribs. This large-flowered clematis blooms in two waves, making it perfect for small gardens or containers. Pair it with floribunda roses for stunning combinations.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	2' (60cm)

Clematis ‘Asao’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

One of the earliest large-flowered clematis to bloom, award-winning Clematis ‘Asao’ produces masses of bold, bright pink flowers, up to 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), adorned with white central bars and yellow stamens. Flowering comes in two waves: first in late spring to early summer, then in late summer and early fall. The flowers give way to attractive seed heads. Shade tolerant, the compact habit of this large-flowered clematis makes it ideal for small gardens and containers.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)
Spread	2' (60cm)

Clematis ‘Bourbon’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

A compact, early, large-flowered clematis to bloom, Clematis ‘Bourbon’ produces masses of large, bright raspberry red flowers, up to 5-6 in. across (12-15 cm), adorned with paler pink bars and yellow stamens. Flowering occurs from late spring or early summer to fall. Branches are clad with attractive dark green leaves. Sun or shade tolerant, the compact habit of this large-flowered clematis makes it ideal for small gardens and containers. Excellent when combined with roses.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' (60cm)

Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

A beloved choice, Clematis ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ is a charming deciduous vine with abundant, shell pink flowers accented by hints of lavender. These large blooms, up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide, feature wavy-edged petals that curl at the tips. Enhanced by creamy-yellow stamens, this enduring beauty has remained a clematis favorite for nearly a century.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Crystal Fountain’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Compact and shade-tolerant, Clematis ‘Crystal Fountain’ delights with its abundance of stunning violet-blue, semi-double flowers adorned with a fountain-like center of silvery-mauve petaloid stamens. Flowering in two waves from late spring to early fall, this large-flowered clematis adds interest with tufts of silvery-mauve petaloids after the outer sepals fall away. Ideal for small gardens and containers, it pairs beautifully with shrubs featuring golden foliage.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 7' (120cm - 210cm)
Spread	4' (120cm)

Clematis ‘Diamantina’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Diamantina’ is an incredibly glamorous deciduous climber with stunning purple-blue, double flowers adorned with rosy-pink highlights. Flowering in two waves, it creates an elegant, multi-layered pom-pom effect. This compact clematis is ideal for small gardens and containers, complementing shrubs with golden or variegated foliage.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Fleuri’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Compact and prolific, Clematis ‘Fleuri’ features large, rich violet-purple flowers, up to 5 in. (12 cm), adorned with elegant magenta central stripes and ruffled edges. Blooming from late spring through most of the summer, this eye-catching clematis is a great choice for containers, small patios, or left to meander through shrubs. Ideal for small gardens!

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

Clematis ‘Fond Memories’ (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

Abundantly blooming, Clematis ‘Fond Memories’ showcases exquisite flowers with creamy-white sepals delicately lined in rosy lavender. Enhanced by deep red-purple anthers, these huge blooms, up to 7 inches (18 cm) wide, possess a captivating satin sheen. Flowering from early summer to early autumn, this large-flowered clematis thrives when climbing through shrubs or adorning trellises, arbors, pergolas, walls, or containers.

Hardiness	6 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Guernsey Cream’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Guernsey Cream’ is a magnificent large-flowered variety that produces an abundance of luminous flowers. The rounded, pale yellow petals with chartreuse central bars gradually fade to creamy white. This reliable and vigorous clematis covers the foliage entirely and is perfect for arbors, trellises, and pergolas.

Hardiness	4 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' (90cm)

Clematis ‘Hagley Hybrid’ (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)

Vigorous and versatile, Clematis ‘Hagley Hybrid’ is a compact, large-flowered variety that produces masses of large, up to 6 in. wide (15 cm), shell pink flowers with a touch of lavender, contrasting with the deep-red anthers. Blooming from early summer to early fall, ‘Hagley Hybrid’ is a reliable clematis cultivar that is ideal to brighten up a shady corner, where its elegant blooms will glow like pink stars against the dark green foliage. Free-flowering, this clematis is best trained on arbors, fences, or grown over or through small shrubs. Its compact size makes it an excellent addition to small gardens and containers too.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Josephine’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Josephine’ is a vigorous and stunning large-flowered clematis known for its beautiful pink double blooms. Resembling dahlias, the flamboyant flowers feature creamy-green and pinkish-mauve outer sepals with a dark pink center stripe. Flowering from late spring through summer, they last up to 4 weeks. ‘Josephine’ is perfect for meandering over fences, trellises, and pergolas or growing in containers on patios.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	7' - 8' (210cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Multi Blue’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Multi Blue’ is a glamorous deciduous climber that produces a profusion of deep blue, double flowers. As the blooms mature, their silvery-blue central tepals expand, creating a multi-layered flower. Flowering occurs in two waves, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, and climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Piilu’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

‘Piilu’ is a highly regarded clematis for containers, featuring a vigorous growth habit and captivating flowers. Its blooms vary from double or semi-double in late spring to single in late summer. The pale mauve-pink petals, adorned with a rose bar and creamy-white anthers, create a striking contrast. ‘Piilu’ is known for its abundant and continuous blooming, often obscuring the foliage. It is an excellent choice for cooler climates, with flowers lasting from late spring to early fall.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Pink Champagne’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Pink Champagne’: Abundant deep rose pink flowers, 6-8 inches across, showcase short-pointed, overlapping sepals with an elegant upward ripple along the edges. Luminous grayish-lavender central bars encircle upstanding yellow anthers. Blooming in late spring to early summer and again from midsummer to early fall, the flowers’ color varies from rose-pink to rose-purple depending on soil and sun exposure. Attractive ornamental seedheads follow. This compact large-flowered clematis suits small gardens and containers.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Clematis ‘Rebecca’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Rebecca’ is highly regarded for its stunning red blooms, making it one of the best red clematis varieties available. The large flowers have velvety petals with ruffled edges and a wispy boss of creamy-yellow stamens at the center. This compact, large-flowered clematis blooms abundantly in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall. Its prolific nature often conceals the green foliage, making it a perfect choice for containers and small gardens, as well as when grown alongside small shrubs.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' (60cm)

Clematis ‘Rhapsody’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Rhapsody’ is a compact deciduous climber with large, sapphire blue flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), whose color intensity increases as they age. Each bloom bears 6 broad, pointed sepals, sometimes slightly paler along their midribs, which contrast nicely with the creamy-yellow stamens. Blooming from early summer to early fall, this hardy, large-flowered clematis is ideal for containers and small gardens. Excellent when grown into small shrubs and roses.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Clematis ‘Rosemoor’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Repeat-flowering over a long season, Clematis ‘Rosemoor’ is a compact deciduous climber with large, purplish-red flowers, 6 in. across (15 cm), with contrasting yellow stamens. The color does not fade and keeps its splendid depth over time. Blooming almost non-stop from late spring or early summer to early fall, this hardy, large-flowered clematis is ideal for containers and small gardens. Excellent when grown into small shrubs and roses.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Clematis ‘Rüütel’ (Early Large-Flowered Clematis)

Clematis ‘Ruutel’ showcases abundant, large, deep red flowers with similarly colored stamens at their center. The connectives retain their red color even as the anthers fade, providing a long-lasting depth of color. The narrow sepals feature charming ruffled edges, and the mid-green foliage adds to its appeal. This compact, large-flowered clematis is well-suited for containers and small gardens, and it complements small shrubs beautifully. Its name, ‘Ruutel,’ means ‘knight’ in Estonian.

Hardiness	4 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Clematis Types – Which one is yours?

Combining Roses and Clematis

Native Plant Alternatives to Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis)

Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success

Great Clematis for New England

Great Clematis for the Pacific Northwest

Great Clematis for the Midwest

Pretty Clematis for your Containers

Clematis Blooming Seasons

Compare All Clematis

Compare Now

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

Clematis

Guides with

Clematis

afeimages / 123RF Stock Photo

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.