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Clematis – Atragene Group

Group 1 Clematis

Clematis, Clematis Atragene, group 1 clematis, Purple clematis, Disease resistant clematis, hardy clematis, early clematis, spring 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.

Atragene Clematis

The Atragene group of clematis includes early and small-flowering clematis, which are extremely hardy, undemanding, and among the easiest to grow. Most are woodland, deciduous climbers, which can thrive in cold, windy situations and make ideal plants for north and east walls. The most recognized species in this group are Clematis alpina and Clematis macropetala, known for their resilience and beautiful bell-shaped flowers.

  • Habit and Size: They have a climbing habit and use their leaf stalks as tendrils to twine into surrounding vegetation and structures. Strong-growing, these clematis can reach up to 6-10 feet (180-300 cm).
  • Foliage: The leaves are typically compound and green in color.
  • Flowers: They produce many small, single or double, bell-shaped, nodding, or down-facing flowers, some with interior ballet skirts represented by their clustered staminodes. Macropetalas look fuller and more double than alpinas as their staminodes are as long as their outer tepals. The alpinas have shorter staminodes and often look like single flowers with a neat central boss. Most come in blues and pinks.
  • Blooming Season: They bloom profusely from mid to late spring and occasionally in late summer. The flowers give way to ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest.
  • Hardiness: They are very hardy and can withstand temperatures down to USDA zone 3.
  • Uses: 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 are gentle plants and do not smother their supporters.
  • Pollinators: Pollinators like bees and butterflies are attracted to these plants.
  • Deer and Rabbit: While deer are not particularly drawn to these plants, rabbits may find them appealing.
  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Toxic to cars, dogs, and horses.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, A2, A3
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Late)
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 Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences

Great Clematis alpina and macropetala Varieties

Growing Atragene Clematis requires understanding their needs and preferences. Here are some tips:

  • Sunlight: Atragene Clematis prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. The base of the plant and the roots should be shaded, while the top of the plant enjoys some sun.
  • Soil: These plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, including chalky, clay, loamy, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. The soil pH should be from neutral to slightly alkaline.
  • Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells. They prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
  • Feeding: Apply a general-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer to encourage strong growth and plentiful blooms.
  • Pruning: Atragene group Clematis are in Pruning Group 1, which means they typically require little to no pruning. If necessary, lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or weak stems.
  • Mulching: Mulching the base of the plant with organic matter helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Training: Provide a trellis or some other form of support for your Clematis to climb on. Train the stems through the supports as they grow.
  • Protection: While Atragene Clematis are quite hardy, in extremely cold climates or during harsh winters, some winter protection may be beneficial. This can be in the form of a thick mulch over the root area.

Remember, all Clematis varieties prefer to have their ‘heads in the sun and feet in the shade.’ This can be achieved by planting with a north or east aspect or shading the base of the plant with other plants or a mulch. This keeps the roots cool and moist in the summer.

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 – Montana Group
Clematis – Evergreen Group
Clematis – Herbaceous Group
Clematis – Orientalis Group
Compare All Clematis
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Clematis
Guides with
Clematis
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 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, A2, A3
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Late)
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 Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Compare All Clematis
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Clematis
Guides with
Clematis

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