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Clematis macropetala (Atragene Group)

Downy Clematis

Clematis macropetala, Atragene Clematis, group 1 clematis, Small-flowered Clematis, purple clematis, Clematis Vine, Clematis Plant, Flower Vines, Clematis Flower, Clematis Pruning

Robust and early-flowering, Clematis macropetala (Downy Clematis) is a deciduous climber with particularly graceful, nodding, lantern-shaped, pale purple-blue flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with 4 lance-shaped petals and many blue or cream petal-like stamens. Blooming in mid to late spring, this small-flowered clematis usually has a second flush of blooms in midsummer. The flowers are followed by very ornamental, fluffy, silvery seedheads, which remain on the plant throughout the summer, adding further interest. The foliage of toothed leaves is divided into leaflets with sharply serrated edges. This elegant clematis is a great choice as a groundcover and looks ravishing, cascading over a pergola, wall, or garden fence. Lovely when sprawling through large shrubs too.

  • Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Ideally, Clematis prefer having their ‘heads in the sun and their feet in the shade’. Keep the roots cool and shaded by other plants, or add a layer of pebbles or flat stones at the base.
  • Hardy, this clematis can quickly grow up to 8-12 ft. long (240-360 cm).
  • Propagate by layering or semi-hardwood cuttings
  • This Clematis belongs to the first group of Clematis – a group including Early-flowering clematis that flower on shoots produced in the previous summer: No regular pruning is required. Just clean them up after flowering.
  • Native to Asia
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

As climbers, Clematis are unsurpassed in their long flowering presence, their rich diversity of flower shapes, 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, they include more than 300 species and hundreds of hybrids. They create year after year a ravishing colorful show in the garden whether solely trained on walls, arbors or trellises, or grown in association with other climbers. They are divided into 3 groups which determine how they should be pruned. Regular pruning of Clematis is important as it promotes strong growth and flowering as well as a harmonious plant. If left unpruned, Clematis can turn into a mass of tangled stems with a bare base and flowers well above eye level.

Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for clematis like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 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
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Clematis
Common names Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Mid)
Height 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
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, Bees
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Clematis ‘Betty Corning’ (Viticella Group)
Clematis armandii (Evergreen Group)
Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Freckles’ (Evergreen Group)
Clematis ‘Pixie’ (Evergreen Group)
Clematis x cartmanii ‘Avalanche’ (Evergreen Group)
Clematis Alita (Viticella Group)

Recommended Companion Plants

Chaenomeles x superba ‘Coral Sea’ (Flowering Quince)
Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ (Bodnant Viburnum)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’ (Peony)
Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ (Oriental Poppy)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
30 Best Spring Flowers to Spruce up Your Garden
Clematis
Clematis Types – Which one is yours?
Clematis – Early Large-Flowered Group
Clematis – Viticella Group
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 1)
Clematis – Late Large-Flowered Group
Clematis – Orientalis Group
Clematis – Herbaceous Group
Clematis – Evergreen Group
Clematis – Montana Group
Clematis – Atragene Group
Great Clematis for the Lower South Region
Great Clematis for the Coastal South Region
Combining Roses and Clematis
Great Clematis for the Middle South Region
Great Clematis for the Upper South Region
Combine Late-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 3)
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 2)
Clematis Blooming Seasons
Combine Early-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Great Clematis for New England
Great Clematis for the Pacific Northwest
Great Clematis for the Midwest
Pretty Clematis for Small Gardens
Pretty Clematis for your Containers
Native Plant Alternatives to Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis)
Clematis: How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 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
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Clematis
Common names Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Mid)
Height 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
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, Bees
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Clematis
Guides with
Clematis
Not sure which Clematis to pick?
Compare Now

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