Clematis: Plant, prune and maintain

Clematis Botany: A Fascinating Diversity

Clematis count nearly 300 species and 400 horticultural varieties! It is a highly diverse genus in terms of forms, as it includes climbing plants, small perennials, as well as bushes. The most common in gardens are climbing plants with large flowers, but non-climbing clematis are also cultivated.

They are native to Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and Central America. Many species come from China. In France, the Hedge Clematis, Clematis vitalba, is a common plant in hedges and clearings. You have surely encountered it! Its particularly long and flexible stems are used for basketry.

It belongs to the family of ranunculaceae, which includes 1,500 species such as hellebores, delphiniums, and columbines. Its name comes from the Greek Klema, which designates a flexible branch, a vine-plant.

The clematis is a fast-growing climbing plant. Its petioles form tendrils that wrap around the support. Therefore, it needs a support or trellis and cannot climb directly against a wall, unlike ivy which clings on its own thanks to its climbing roots.

Clematis florida ‘Sieboldii’: botanical plate

Most varieties measure between two and four metres in height, but the tallest can reach up to 15 metres high. There are also non-climbing clematis, which are grown as perennials. This is the case for Clematis heracleifolia, Clematis integrifolia, and Clematis recta. The stems of clematis can also crawl on the ground or fall over the edge of a pot.

For our greatest pleasure, clematis offer an extraordinary diversity in terms of flowers! They can either disappear under a cascade of exuberant flowers in bright colours or bear small delicate and discreet flowers, very cute, like Clematis fusca. The flowers of the waxy clematis, Clematis cirrhosa, surprise us with their originality! They are small and bicoloured, white speckled with purple spots… nothing like those of the most common varieties! The botanical species and varieties with bell-shaped flowers have a particularly natural and wild aspect. The diameter of the flowers varies greatly, from two centimetres for the smallest to about twenty centimetres for some hybrids.

The flowers of clematis take on very varied shapes. Simple flowers have a rather sober and natural appearance, while double flowers seem much more sophisticated. The clematis from the Atragene group form small bell-shaped flowers in spring, quite light, which gives them a lot of charm! The flowers can be very original, like those of the variety ‘Octopus’, whose long purple sepals seem to go in all directions. Some clematis also take the shape of tulip flowers.

Contrary to what one might think, it is not the petals that are coloured, but the sepals. Each flower has between four and ten. They are often pink, white, blue, or purple, sometimes red. This gives the plant a soft and romantic aspect. The flowers can also be yellow, like those of Clematis tangutica. Often, the stamens are long and decorative. When the sepals take on a dark hue, they sometimes offer a superb contrast!

Some clematis offer fragrant flowers, like Clematis armandii ‘Apple Blossom’ with its delicate orange blossom scent.

Depending on the different varieties, flowering is possible all year round. Often spring or summer flowering, it can also occur in autumn and even in winter! The Armand clematis, Clematis armandii, flowers very early, from March, while the later ones can bloom until October. But, there are also Christmas clematis, from Clematis cirrhosa, which bloom in the middle of winter. Some varieties, perpetual, offer two successive flowerings!

The incredible diversity of varieties found today in gardens is partly due to the discovery of Clematis patens, a species native to Japan. It has literally exploded hybridization, giving rise to countless cultivars remarkable for their large colourful flowers. These varieties bloom in spring and sometimes offer a second flowering at the end of summer. Notably, we find the clematis ‘Doctor Ruppel’ and ‘Nelly Moser’.

The seeds of Clematis vitalba

The leaves of clematis take on varied forms. They can be simple or divided into leaflets, irregularly cut. They have a rather light, delicate appearance. Those of Clematis armandii are tough and shiny, with well-marked veins. The edge of the leaflets is sometimes dentate, but can also be smooth. Most clematis cultivated in gardens are deciduous. However, a few species, like Clematis armandii, are evergreen.

The clematis bears very characteristic decorative fruits. These are achene extended by a long feathery style, giving them extreme lightness.

Most clematis are quite hardy, often down to -15 or -20 °C. The least hardy are the cirrhosa clematis.

To simplify, clematis are divided into three groups:

1. Early flowering clematis. They bloom on the wood of the previous year. This includes Clematis alpina, Clematis montana, and Clematis macropetala, as well as the evergreen varieties, like Clematis armandii and Clematis cirrhosa.
2. Early flowering clematis with large flowers. They bloom in spring on the wood of the previous year, then in summer on the shoots of the year. Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, Clematis ‘Dr Ruppel’, and Clematis florida, for example, belong to this group.
3. Late flowering clematis with large flowers. They bloom in summer on the wood of the year. This includes Clematis ‘Jackmanii’, Clematis terniflora, Clematis viticella, Clematis tangutica, and herbaceous clematis.

Clematis bear flowers of very varied shapes!

Botanical species

• Clematis vitalba

This is the wild clematis of our region. It is easily found in France, in forest edges and hedges, which gives it the name “Hedge Clematis”. It bears fragrant white flowers, followed by feathery fruits. Its long and flexible stems allow it to be used in basketry.

• Clematis montana

Native to the Himalayas and China, Clematis montana is a particularly vigorous and early flowering species. Its foliage is covered in spring with countless small white flowers. Notably, its variety ‘Mayleen’ has a generous pink flowering.

• Clematis viticella

A superb clematis that offers a long blue or purple flowering throughout the summer. Its flowers are small and solitary. It has given rise to many hybrids, such as ‘Mme Julia Correvon’ or ‘Étoile violette’. Discover Pierre’s article on our blog!

• Clematis alpina

Like Clematis montana, the Alpine clematis is an early flowering species. Its flowers take the shape of bells, in blue-violet colour. Once flowering is finished, it bears very decorative feathery fruits.

The main varieties of clematis

The most popular varieties:

Our favourite varieties:

Other varieties to discover:

Clematis fargesii Summersnow

Very popular, this clematis offers a multitude of small star-shaped white flowers in summer. It is a particularly vigorous variety. It bears long cream-white stamens. It is deciduous. It is also marketed under the name Clematis ‘Paul Farges’. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the product sheet

Clematis montana Mayleen

This clematis is covered in spring with a multitude of fragrant small flowers, which then cover its green foliage tinged with bronze. They consist of four pink sepals surrounding yellow stamens. It is a robust and vigorous variety. It can re-flower at the end of summer.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 8,10 m

See the product sheet

Clematis jackmanii - Clematis vine

This clematis bears large flowers with four purple-violet sepals, which contrast beautifully with the cream-white stamens. It is easy to grow and offers abundant flowering throughout the summer! This old variety, introduced in 1862, has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Clematis armandii Apple Blossom

This vigorous clematis bears pleasantly fragrant white flowers, pale pink on the reverse of the sepals. They bloom from soft pink buds and are beautifully highlighted by its elongated bronze-green foliage. This persists in winter! It is hardy down to -10 °C.

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Clematis integrifolia Baby Star 'Zobast'

This is a small compact clematis, suitable for pot cultivation, on a terrace or balcony. It bears abundant white flowering in summer. It flowers twice, offering us semi-double flowers in spring, followed by single flowers in summer.

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis Picotee

This variety will charm you with its large star-shaped bicolour flowers. The sepals, white edged with pink, give it a lot of charm! It flowers twice, in spring and then at the end of summer. It is a recent introduction, suitable for pot cultivation.

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Clematis terniflora

Originating from Asia, this semi-evergreen species offers a very fragrant late flowering. It bears many small white flowers at the end of summer and has shiny dark green foliage. Particularly vigorous, this clematis grows quickly and becomes large: choose it only if you have the space to accommodate it.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Clematis lanuginosa Nelly Moser

This compact variety bears large very bright flowers. The sepals are pink in the centre, edged with white: it is the opposite of the flowers of Clematis Picotee! It is easy to grow and tolerates partial shade well. On the contrary, the flowers might lose their brightness in the sun. This old variety has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Clematis viticella Astra nova

This clematis bears splendid star-shaped flowers in summer, composed of purple-violet sepals with a white band in the centre. This very simple and elegant flowering is nonetheless spectacular. You can grow it in a pot.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis diversifolia Fascination

A lovely clematis with bell-shaped flowers! We love it for its small blue-violet flowers, full of charm. You can even use them as cut flowers to make bouquets! With its rather compact habit, it is suitable for pot cultivation.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis florida Sieboldii

A clematis with surprising flowers composed of white sepals surrounding purple-violet stamens! The contrast is striking. It then bears feathery decorative fruits.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis flammula Aromatica

This variety offers pleasantly fragrant small flowers! The very fine and elongated purple sepals form a beautiful contrast with the long cream-white stamens located in the centre.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis My Angel - Golden Clematis

A very original clematis that will surprise you with its small bell-shaped flowers, yellow and brick red, which bear dark stamens in the centre. It looks like no other! Once flowering is finished, it bears decorative fruits.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Clematis patens Piilu

This clematis will brighten your flower beds with its tangy hues! It offers a long and abundant flowering, composed of lovely star-shaped flowers with pink petals and yellow stamens. It flowers twice, in spring and then in summer. Its compact habit allows it to be grown in a pot.

• Flowering time June to November
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Clematis patens Madame Lecoultre

This is a classic and well-known variety that continues to charm us with its elegant and generous flowering. Its large flowers (up to 20 cm in diameter!), pure white, bear a bouquet of cream-yellow stamens in the centre. It is also found under the name ‘Marie Boisselot’. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis x patens Westerplatte

This is a remarkable variety that bears large fragrant dark red flowers throughout the summer. Even the stamens are red! Its compact habit allows it to be grown in a pot. It grows quickly. We appreciate it for the intensity of its colour!

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Clematis Twinkle

One of the rare herbaceous clematis! It completely disappears in winter and re-emerges from the base in spring. It offers small fragrant pale blue mauve bells in summer. You can plant it in a pot or grow it in a bed as a perennial.

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Clematis texensis Princess Diana - Scarlet Leather Flower

This clematis offers a dazzling flowering throughout the summer! Its flowers, a red-pink colour, take the shape of tulip flowers! You can grow it in a pot. Its bright colour will bring dynamism to your flower beds!

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Clematis fusca

A final clematis, originating from Asia, particularly cute. Very original, it bears small brown and hairy bells, quite discreet. It disappears in winter and re-emerges from the base in spring. It enjoys slightly shaded situations. We appreciate its very natural and delicate side!

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Planting Clematis

Where to plant?

Clematis is a fussy plant: you need to find the spot that will please it! It enjoys having its head in the sun and its feet in the shade. It particularly requires significant brightness. Place it in full sun alongside perennials or small bushes that will shade its base. However, some hybrids, such as Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, should be planted in a slightly shaded position. In full sun, they would lose the intensity of their colours!

Clematis absolutely needs a deep soil, as its powerful roots extend far into the ground. Shallow or compacted soils will not suit them, which is why we recommend working the soil deeply before planting to loosen and aerate it.

Clematis prefers rich, humus-bearing soils. If your soil is poor, you can enrich it with compost. The soil should remain moist, but be well-drained, as it hates excess moisture (especially in winter), just as much as drought. It will also appreciate being planted out of the wind. Wind could damage its particularly fragile stems. Avoid overly confined situations (for example, squeezed between a wall and other plants), which are conducive to the development of fungal diseases. Clematis is demanding: if it doesn’t thrive, move it!

You can also plant it in a pot and place it on a balcony or terrace. For this use, choose the most compact varieties! Finally, know that you are not obliged to make your clematis climb; you can also let it cover the ground or a bank! Thus, the variety ‘Robert Brydon’ is a good ground cover that forms a carpet of purple flowers.

Also read our article How to fail at planting your climbers?

When to plant?

Planting is possible all year round, avoiding severe frost or extreme heat, but the ideal time is to install it in spring.

How to plant?

Prepare a support. Unlike ivy, which clings directly to house walls with its climbing roots, clematis needs a trellis to wrap its tendrils around and climb.

• Soak the root ball in a basin of water
• Dig a deep planting hole
• Add a drainage layer at the bottom of the hole
• Mix garden soil with potting soil and fertiliser
• Place the root ball at an angle, leaning towards its support
• Water generously and guide the stems towards the support

For more details and advice, check our dedicated sheet: Planting Clematis.

You can mulch with pine bark to keep the soil cool. We also recommend planting perennials next to the base to protect it from the sun. Continue to water in the weeks following planting. And beware of slugs or snails that might nibble on the young plants! You can also plant clematis in a pot.

Follow our video tips for planting clematis!

How to care for your clematis?

Apart from pruning, clematis require quite little maintenance. You can regularly remove faded flowers, except for varieties that produce decorative fruits. Add a bit of compost at the beginning of spring. Water your clematis only in the height of summer, avoiding watering directly at the base of the stems. At other times, there is no need to water, except in cases of drought. Be especially careful of excess moisture: avoid waterlogging the soil!

How to combat common clematis diseases?

Hybrid varieties with large flowers are more susceptible to diseases than others. They are much more fragile than those with small flowers. The main problem with clematis is caused by a fungus, Ascochyta clematidina, which can devastate a plant in just 24 hours! Your clematis seemed healthy and vigorous, it was even about to bloom, but suddenly its leaves start to dry out! Before you have time to react, it is already completely wilted… This disease is a real scourge, preventing sap from circulating, leading to tissue death. Cut the plant back to the base of the stems, a few centimetres below the soil (as the fungus lives on the surface), and replace the soil around the stems, several centimetres deep, with healthy, uncontaminated substrate. The plant can regrow from the base. Limit watering: moisture encourages this disease.

Clematis are susceptible to gastropods (slugs and snails), which delight in munching on young shoots! You can protect your newly planted clematis by placing ash or wood chips around the base to create a barrier. They can also be attacked by aphids. If you notice that the leaves are curled and sticky, spray with black soap or a solution based on pyrethrum.

The best practices for pruning your clematis

By pruning your clematis, you will achieve a well-ramified plant, with a more compact habit, and encourage flowering (provided you do it at the right time!) First and foremost, disinfect your pruning shear to avoid transmitting diseases from one clematis to another. When working on affected plants, dispose of the stems and leaves you cut.

Prune early-flowering and evergreen varieties at the end of spring, around May, once flowering is finished. Perform a very light pruning. If you intervene too early, between autumn and early spring, you risk cutting the branches that will bear flowers, thus limiting flowering! These varieties can even do without pruning.

For other later and large-flowered varieties, prune before the resumption of growth, between February and March. You can prune them more severely! Don’t hesitate to cut back every other branch to 30 or 40 centimetres above the ground. Also remove any dead shoots. A second pruning can be done after flowering.

→ Learn more in our advice sheet: Why isn’t my clematis flowering? and in our tutorial: winter pruning of clematis.

The clematis ‘White Pearl’!

Techniques for Propagating Clematis

You can multiply your clematis by propagating them by cuttings or layering. We recommend propagation by cuttings, which is the simplest technique. As for sowing, it is tricky to carry out, and the seeds can sometimes take a very long time to germinate.

Introduction to clematis propagation by cuttings

You can take cuttings of clematis at the end of spring, in June or July.

• Start by preparing a pot: place a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom for drainage, then fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil and sand.
• Next, cut a stem about fifteen centimetres long, using a knife or pruning shear.
• Remove the leaves located at the base of the stem, if there are any.
• Leave only a few leaves on the cutting, then replant it in the pot and firm the soil around the stem.
• Water and cover the pot with clear plastic or a cut plastic bottle to maintain a humid atmosphere.
• Place your pot under a frame, out of direct sunlight.

You will need to wait until the following spring to plant the clematis in the ground.

Layering clematis

You can layer clematis. This technique will allow you to quickly obtain new plants. Act in summer, around August. Layering is done by bending down on lignified branches.

Layering clematis is preferably done in a pot. To facilitate the operation, choose a pot that is wide enough (at least 15 cm in diameter).

• Place a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage, then fill it with potting soil.
• Choose a long stem, cutting the leaves so that only those at the end of the branch remain.
• Make a slight incision on the bark, on the area you will bury.
• Then, place it in the soil and cover it with substrate.
• Raise the end of the stem and keep it upright with a stake.
• Firm the soil and water.

For more information, read our practical guide on the propagation by cuttings of clematis.

Associating Clematis: General Tips

Clematis pair wonderfully with roses, whether they are climbing or bush varieties. Together, they create a romantic atmosphere, full of softness and delicacy. Many varieties offer blooms in pastel shades of pink, white, or mauve. Discover Clematis montana ‘Mayleen’: it bears a multitude of soft pink flowers in spring, adding much charm to the garden. You can also pair the white flowers of the clematis ‘Summersnow’ with the pale pink blooms of the climbing rose ‘Coral Dawn’.

In any case, we recommend planting other perennials around the clematis: they will protect the base from the sun and help keep the soil cool. Take the opportunity to install some hardy geraniums. If the base of your clematis is bare or lacking flowers, they will certainly add some colour!

Feel free to mix different varieties of clematis! Discover our collections. You can pair them with other climbing plants such as akebias or jasmines.

Let them climb in your trees and shrubs… If you were growing them for their decorative foliage, they will now have the added interest of being covered in a multitude of star-shaped flowers! You can also let them climb in your fruit trees, for example by planting a clematis montana at the base of an apple or cherry tree.

The most compact varieties are perfectly suited for container cultivation. They will bring colour to your terraces and balconies! Plant them in large pots with some perennials or bulbous plants, such as hyacinths, anthemis, or verbenas. If you have a shaded area, pair your clematis with the decorative foliage of ivies or ferns.

Herbaceous clematis fit very easily into borders. You can combine Clematis heracleifolia with the light foliage of grasses and the flowers of asters.

The clematis ‘Snow queen’ and the tulip ‘Ballade’! (Copyright MAP Clive Nichols)

For more specific pairing ideas based on various situations, discover our tips: Clematis – 7 successful pairing ideas and Pairing herbaceous clematis.