Alphabetical Plant Listing

Clematis macropetala (Atragene Group)

Downy Clematis


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 which flower on shoots produced in the previous summer: No regular pruning 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.

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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 Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Mid)
Height 8' – 12' (240cm – 3.6m)
Spread 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Clematis

Guides with Clematis


©Clive Nichols

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.


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 Clematis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Mid)
Height 8' – 12' (240cm – 3.6m)
Spread 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Clematis

Guides with Clematis

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