Clematis Guide

Clematis are known as Queen of the Climbers, prized for their incredible flowers and ability to train onto trellises, fences, over doorways, and up mailbox and lamp posts. A genus in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), Clematis range from short to extra tall, bloom in a variety of show-stopping colors, and bring a special elegance to the garden.

Why We Love Clematis

• Climb, trail, and weave over fences, trellises, and through shrubbery.
• Options for container and in-ground gardens.
• Create a sense of movement and vertical interest. 
• Vibrant flower colors include blue, pink, purple, red, white.
• Unusual blooms, such as lily-style, ruffled, spiked, and star-shaped.
• Attract pollinators, including butterflies.
• Fragrant varieties heighten the sensory experience.
• Long-lasting flowers—including doubles and re-blooming varieties—with varieties for spring, summer and fall blooms.
• Spectacular as cut flowers for bouquets.
• Rabbits tend to leave Clematis alone.

Growing Tips for Clematis

Key to growing Clematis successfully is to plant them where light needs will be met. Most of our varieties thrive in full sun, but we also offer Clematis that are suited to part shade. All Clematis plants need their roots well shaded in soil. 

Planting:

• Water plants well the night before planting. Cut off plastic wrap (if any) on top of the Bluestone biodegradable pot. All our packaging can be recycled.
• Pick a full sun site and have your trellis or other structure in place. Clematis are one of the few plants that like to be planted deeper than others. A deep hole should be dug - 8-10 inches - with some compost in the bottom. Gently place our biodegradable pot (minus the wrapper) into the hole so that the first set of leaf nodes (bud where leaf sprouts from) is below ground.
• Remove any leaves that will be under soil. Fill hole halfway and tie the top growth to your trellis. Leave the stick it shipped with in place for now and water. Finish filling the hole with well-drained, rich soil, and water well.

Fertilizing:

Top-dress the soil with an inch of well-aged compost annually. As the compost decays, it feeds and amends the soil. Compost can be purchased in bags, in bulk or made from yard waste. You’ll usually have two types of fertilizer products on the market from which to choose. We recommend solid feeding, as it offers a balanced, time-released feeding and is easy to apply. Water soluble products are good for quick pick-me-ups feeding, when used in conjunction with solid feed.

Pruning:

Clematis are categorized by types 1, 2 and 3 pruning needs.

• Type 1: Flowers are produced from old stems, so prune immediately after flowering has stopped by removing all dead and weak stems. Larger, older plants (over 15') normally don't need to be pruned, especially if growing in trees. Tie stems into place after flowering. New growth will begin, and these are the stems for next year’s flowers. Fertilize after first blooms.
• Type 2: In this group all first flowering comes from last season’s ripening stems. In early spring, watch for swelling leaf buds beginning to show. Cut all dead material off above these swelling buds. Be sure all growth is tied to the trellis, etc. at this time. Don't tie too tightly, so growth won't be hampered or cracked. Fertilize after first blooms.
• Type 3: This group blooms later and from new growth. These should be pruned in February or March as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. Also remove all dead material above the buds and clean out any old or mildewed foliage. Fertilize after pruning.

Watering:

Water when you see any wilting and the soil is dry to your touch. Water deeply. Constant shallow watering will make your plant dependent on you. Infrequent deep watering will promote a self sufficient garden, and healthier plants!

A Sampling of Clematis Varieties

Clematis Charmaine™ brims with single, semi-double, and double blooms from late spring to mid-summer. Early fall re-blooming brings a rich red luster to the autumn air. Zones 4-10. Full sun. Pruning Type 2.

Clematis Paniculata, a vigorous bloomer, fills the garden with dainty, scented white flowers. This extra tall variety keeps the garden flowing with color and perfumed air late summer into mid-fall. Zones 5-8. Full sun to mostly sunny. Pruning Type 3.

Clematis Piilu has been crowned the “heaviest blooming Clematis”! Piilu graces the garden with two sets of ruffled flowers and two star-studded shows. Revel in the waves of pink and purple blooms May through July and again in September. Zones 4-10. Full sun. Pruning Type 2.

Clematis Ramona's large, lavender blue flowers glimmer in the sun. Mid-summer through early fall, this award winner meanders through the garden, delighting people and pollinators. Zones 4-10. Full sun. Pruning Type 2.

Clematis Stand By Me is a non-vining Clematis bush, which is ideal for borders. Purple petals appear to dance as they arch backward on stems. Late spring through early summer this Proven Winners® variety bursts with blooms. Re-blooming in late summer is an extra treat. Zones 3-7. Full sun. No pruning.

Sweet Summer Love spreads the floral love from late summer through fall. Fragrant blooms emerge deep red, transform to purplish red, and finally to violet. This Proven Winners® variety is a favorite of hummingbirds. Zones 4-9. Full sun to mostly shady. Pruning Type 3.

View all of our Clematis selections to find perfect matches for your garden.