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Clematis – Herbaceous Group

Group 3 Clematis, Clematis Integrifolia, Clematis recta, Clematis stans, Clematis heracleifolia

Clematis, Herbaceous Clematis, group 3 clematis, Clematis integrifolia, Clematis durandii, Purple clematis, Disease resistant 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 – Herbaceous Group

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. This Clematis group encompasses several species, including the decorative Clematis integrifolia, Clematis recta, and some woodier non-climbers such as Clematis stans and Clematis heracleifolia. Among the easiest Clematis to grow, Herbaceous Clematis are long-lived.

  • Habit and Size: These Clematis species are typically compact and bushy, standing upright and growing to heights between 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). Unlike their vining counterparts, they do not climb or scramble but form a clump of erect or semi-erect stems.
  • Flowers: Small, nodding, bell-shaped with recurved and often twisted colored outer sepals surrounding creamy-white stamens. They are available in shades of mauve blue to dark blue, sometimes with crimson-flushed buds, but white and several pink selections are available. The flowers give way to ornamental, fluffy, silky seedheads, which remain on the plant, adding further interest.
  •  Blooming Season: 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. You may enjoy 2 or 3 waves of colorful blooms depending on your geographic area.
  • Hardiness: Hardiness is generally strong, with most varieties thriving in USDA zones 4-11.
  • Uses: Herbaceous Clematis are ideal for growing through plants in the herbaceous border. Blooming late in the season, their richly colored flowers distract your eye from the faded blooms of roses and other perennials that they gracefully adorn.
  • Pollinators: Clematis attract bees and other pollinators, providing a valuable resource in the garden.
  • 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
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Pretty Herbaceous Clematis Varieties

Growing Tips

Growing herbaceous clematis can be rewarding, but they require some care to reach their full potential. Here are some growing tips:

  • Soil and Water: Herbaceous Clematis prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They appreciate consistent moisture, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Location: Plant your Clematis in a location where they can get full sun to partial shade. However, like many Clematis, they prefer their roots in the cool, shaded soil and their foliage in the sun.
  • Mulching: Mulch the base of the plant to keep the roots cool and moist. This also helps to control weeds.
  • Pruning: Herbaceous Clematis belongs to pruning group 3. This means they should be pruned back hard in late winter or early spring as they bloom on new growth. Cut all stems back to about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the ground.
  • Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when the new growth begins to show. This will encourage abundant flowering.
  • Support: Even though these Clematis species do not climb, they may need support if they are grown in a very windy location or if their flower-heavy stems begin to flop.
  • Pests and Diseases: Watch out for common Clematis diseases, such as powdery mildew and Clematis wilt, and pests like aphids. Regular inspection and early treatment can help keep these issues at bay.

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 – Atragene Group
Clematis – Montana Group
Clematis – Evergreen 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 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
Plant Type Climbers
Genus Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
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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