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Clematis – Early Large-Flowered Group

Group 2 Clematis

Clematis, Early Large Flowered Clematis, Early Clematis, Large flowered Clematis, Group 2 Clematis, Purple Clematis, Long blooming Clematis, Red 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.

Clematis – Early Large-Flowered Group

Clematis from the Early Large-Flowered Group are a collection of popular hybrid species beloved for their showy, vibrant flowers.

These clematis are not native to a specific area, as they are a hybrid group comprising varieties from several different species, often native to Asia and Europe.

  • Habit and Size: The Early Large-Flowered Group displays a sprawling growth habit and can reach 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) tall, depending on the variety.
  • Foliage: The leaves are green and can be lobed or pinnate.
  • Flowers: Their flowers are incredibly large, 6-10 inches across (15-25 cm). Star-shaped, they may be single, semi-double, or double and are available in a wide range of colors, from white to deep purples and blues, and often have contrasting anthers.
  •  Blooming Season: They bloom prolifically from late spring to early summer on old wood, with some varieties offering a second, less showy bloom in late summer or early fall on new growth.
  • Hardiness: Hardiness is generally strong, with most varieties thriving in USDA zones 4-11.
  • Uses: They are used primarily as decorative climbers on trellises, walls, pergolas, or fences and are perfect for bringing vertical interest to the garden. They can grow through shrubs, climbing roses, and into small trees. They can be grown in large containers too.
  • Pollinators: They attract butterflies and other pollinators.
  • 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 cars, dogs, and horses.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Climate Zones 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
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
Landscaping Ideas Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Pretty Early Large-Flowered Clematis

Growing Tips

Growing Clematis from the Early Large-Flowered Group can be rewarding, but they require some care to reach their full potential. Here are some growing tips:

  • Planting Location: These clematis prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. The base and roots of the plant should be in a cool, shaded area while the vine itself is exposed to the sun.
  • Soil Requirements: They require well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter, so amending with compost or well-rotted manure can be beneficial.
  • Planting: When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant so that the crown is 2-3 inches below the soil surface. This encourages new shoots to form from the base of the plant.
  • Watering: Water regularly during dry periods in the first few years after planting. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.
  • Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and a high-potash fertilizer every two weeks from the start of spring until flowering.
  • Pruning: These clematis belong to the second group of Clematis: they should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts and after the first flush of flowers in early summer.
    • Prune in late winter or early spring: Remove dead or weak stems before growth begins. Check individual stems from the top down until you reach a pair of healthy buds, and prune just above them, removing the spindly or damaged growth above. Avoid heavy pruning or flowers will be lost.
    • Then prune again after the first flush of flowers: To encourage a second flush later in the season, prune back some stems by cutting to large buds or a strong side shoot immediately below the blooms. Top-heavy or overgrown plants can be gradually reduced over two to three seasons by pruning back harder after the first flush of flowers. They are unlikely to produce a second flush of flowers but should flower again in late spring or early summer the following year.
    • Alternatively, leave clematis in this group unpruned, then hard prune them to 30-90cm (1–3ft) from the base every three or four years in late winter (as for pruning group three). In the first year after renovation, they will only flower once.
  • Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for aphids and clematis wilt. The latter can be avoided by planting the clematis deeply and maintaining good air circulation around the plant.
  • Support: Provide a trellis or other form of support for the vine to climb on. These clematis are perfect for vertical gardening.

Remember that every garden is unique, and what works well for one plant may not work for another. Monitoring your plants regularly can help you catch and address any issues early.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Clematis Types – Which one is yours?
Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success
Clematis – Viticella Group
Clematis – Late Large-Flowered Group
Clematis – Atragene Group
Clematis – Montana Group
Clematis – Evergreen Group
Clematis – Herbaceous Group
Clematis – Orientalis Group

Garden Examples

A Cheerful Border Idea with Monarda, Clematis and Artemisia
A Super Climbing Trio with Clematis and Roses
A Super Climbing Duo with Clematis ‘The President’
Compare All Clematis
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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 4 - 11
Climate Zones 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
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
Landscaping Ideas Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Compare All Clematis
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Clematis
Guides with
Clematis

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