Most beautiful clematis
10 prettiest, easiest choices |
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
The best clematis to grow offer myriad flower shapes to choose from. Whether adorning fences and walls, scrambling up pergolas or winding through herbaceous borders, the blooms range from tiny bells to large dinner plates, and in a wide spectrum of colors from deep blues and purples to the palest ephemeral pink.
Once you have mastered how to grow clematis you can choose different varieties that will bloom through much of the year.
These 'queens' of flowering climbers range from vigorous, and tall growing varieties, to more compact types, ideal for containers, and can transform any garden space with their bewitching blooms.
It's also important to know how to prune clematis of different groups to keep them looking their best and flowering year after year.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Best clematis to grow
Clematis pair beautifully with roses, the complementary blooms intertwined, or reaching through trees and shrubs.
‘They need the micro-climate from other plants, such as a rose, which will give a burst of flowering at the same time,’ explains Raymond Evison , world-renowned clematis grower and breeder, and founder and chairman of The Guernsey Clematis Nursery .
The best clematis to grow are particularly valuable as small gardens ideas, as they take up little ground space and can be grown in containers. By covering surfaces, they also provide shelter for insects and sometimes birds and many are plants for pollinators.
Grown mostly for their flowers, some clematis can be in flower 10 months of the year, while others bloom once, with winter and spring flowering, early summer, and late summer and fall flowering groups.
Try some of these clematis to grow recommended by the experts.
1. Clematis armandi 'apple blossom'
(Image credit: Thorncroft Clematis)
'Clematis armandi 'apple blossom' is a wonderful free flowering evergreen climber, which we have had in our collection for many years,' explains Peter Skeggs-Gooch, director of Thorncroft Clematis .
'The blooms come out in March, April and May and start as a beautiful pink, but open to an almost pure white star-like flower. When grown in a sunny situation, the flowers will provide a gorgeous fragrance, too,' he adds, if you're looking for how to plant a fragrant garden.
'This strong climber can grow to 20 feet, and has a large, glossy laurel-like leaf, which provides excellent privacy if you're overlooked by neighbors,' Peter adds.
Plant in a sunny spot for the best fragrance, and this clematis is in Group 1, so tidy after flowering. It is hardy to temperatures reaching 5–14°F (-15 to -10°C).
2. Clematis Nubia
(Image credit: Ray Evison Clematis)
Clematis grow well in pots for container gardening ideas, and there are varieties, such as the Boulevard Series, that are especially bred to be more compact in their habit, longer flowering and easier to prune.
'Clematis Nubia has deep red flowers that are produced from early summer until late summer and early fall,' explains Raymond Evison.
'It grows to 3/4 ft (90/120cm) and is ideal for growing in a pot or container or in small garden due to its compact growing habit. It is totally winter hardy and can be grown in any location, but is very much suited to a sunny aspect due to its strong flower color,' he says.
‘Select the strong, dark colours such as the reds, dark blues, purples and whites for sunny positions, and pale pinks, pale blues and mauve flowered options for shady places in the patio garden,’ Raymond adds.
In Group 3, it needs hard pruning at the end of winter/ early spring. 'The pruning it needs is very simple and what I call it “the pony tail cut“. Just reduce all stems down to 6in. (15cm ) above soil level,' says Raymond.
3. Clematis urophylla 'winter beauty'
(Image credit: Taylors Clematis)
It is always welcome to have winter plants in flower all the way through the Christmas period, 'and this is what Clematis urophylla 'Winter Beauty' does,' explains Chris Cocks of specialist suppliers Taylors Clematis .
'She flowers from December to March and produces hundreds of nodding, campanula shaped blooms, which are about an inch or so big, but you do get lots and lots of them,' Chris adds.
It also has the added bonus of being evergreen, and with its good sized foliage it is very useful as a garden screening idea to provide privacy around a terrace or seating area.
'Evergreen clematis are best planted in a sunny spot, which is sheltered from strong winds,' adds Chris.
4. Clematis White Arabella 'Zo14089'
(Image credit: Thorncroft Clematis)
'Clematis White Arabella is one of my new favorites because it is very prolific in flower, but also compact in its growth habit, so it's ideal in many situations in the garden,' says Peter Skeggs-Gooch.
'You could use this in a container for a feature plant, in the garden to adorn the base of a tall growing rose, or on an obelisk in a border to offer some height and interest for a vertical garden idea. It is a truly versatile plant,' he adds.
Flowering starts about mid-May, depending on the climate where it's grown, with a double and semi-double flower and will gradually move to flowers of single form, which continue to come out sporadically right through to fall.
This recommended clematis to grow enjoys any aspect and will grow to about 5 feet. It is very hardy, withstanding winter temperatures as low as -4 to 5°F (-20 to -15°C).
In Group 3, it needs hard pruning as above.
5. Clematis Vicki
(Image credit: Raymond Evison)
For a richly colored clematis to grow, 'Clematis Vicki has deep pink/ rose colored flowers, which have a darker central bar to each sepal and the blooms are produced freely over a long period,' recommends Raymond Evison.
This variety of clematis flowers from early summer through to early fall.
'It grows to 4/5ft (120/150 cm) and is suitable to grow in a pot or container, but is superb when grown with other flowering shrubs and walled trained roses,' Raymond adds.
Clematis Vicki is totally winter hardy, 'and can be grown in any location except south facing, where its flowers will fade prematurely,' says Raymond.
It is in Group 3 for pruning.
6. Clematis Super Nova
(Image credit: Taylors Clematis)
Clematis Super Nova is a relatively new variety and part of the well known viticella species of clematis.
'Viticella are among the toughest and most robust clematis that exist. They will happily grow in spots where other clematis will turn up their toes, and will put up with the worst that the weather can throw at them and still reward you with a blanket of flowers reaching around 10 feet plus,' explains Chris Cocks.
This is an ideal clematis to grow over archways and arbours, or up trellis.
'Flowering later on in the year, from July to September, it is something to look forward to late summer,' adds Chris.
Clematis Super Nova will grow in any aspect, and can also be grown in a good sized pot.
7. Clematis I Am Lady Q ('Zoiamladyq')
(Image credit: Thorncroft Clematis)
Clematis I Am Lady Q is a wonderful plant that flowers very freely from June to September
'If you've ever had difficulty growing clematis in a certain area of the garden, then try a plant from the viticella group; they will thrive without too much care and attention so long as they are planted carefully,' advises Peter Skeggs-Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis.
'This is true for I Am Lady Q, which makes about 6 to 8 feet of growth each year. The flowers are dainty and nodding blooms of white, which have beautiful highlights of mid-pink to purple along the margins,' Peter adds.
'The petals are separate so the blooms look very delicate but actually the whole plant is very robust and easy to grow. The viticella make excellent companions because they grow among other plants in the wild, so cultivated forms do really well scrambling up into your roses and shrubs as flower bed ideas,' Peter adds.
This clematis enjoys any aspect, is very hardy – withstanding winter temperatures as low as -4 to 5°F (-20 to -15°C) – is easy to grow and is in Group 3 for pruning.
8. Clematis Diana's Delight
(Image credit: Raymond Evison)
Another clematis to grow from the Boulevard Series, Clematis Diana's Delight 'has mid blue flowers, which have contrasting creamy yellow anthers, ' explains Raymond Evison.
It flowers from early summer until late summer and early fall.
'This clematis grows to 3/4 ft ( 90/120cm ), can be grown in a container, as a combination planting with other plants, or with other free standing shrubs. It looks amazing with grey foliage plants, which show of its flower color,' says Raymond.
It is totally winter hardy and can be grown in any location.
9. Clematis Corinne
(Image credit: Raymond Evison)
Clematis Corinne is a compact, deciduous climber.
'It has white flowers that have a pink central bar to each sepal (petal),' explains Raymond.
'The flowers are produced from early summer until early fall and it’s a very free flowering and strong growing plant,' he adds.
It grows to 4/5 ft (120/150 cm) and, as with the others suggested by Raymond, can be grown in a pot or container, is ideal for growing through wall trained shrubs and roses, 'and looks delightful with blue-flowered ceanothus, or growing at the base of a pergola with roses,' adds Raymond
Totally winter hardy, Clematis Corinne is best grown in semi-shade along with shrubs for shade, 'where its flowers will not fade prematurely,' says Raymond.
10. Clematis Olympia
(Image credit: Taylors Clematis)
Clematis Olympia is a short, compact variety reaching heights of about 3-4 feet. 'It is perfect for a small obelisk in the beds and borders, but just as good in a pot on the patio, too,' explains Chris Cocks of Taylors Clematis.
These new style 'boulevard collection' all flower for around 6 months of the year. 'They have the ability to flower from the leaf axels, thus giving them lots and lots of flowers from top to bottom,' adds Chris.
Keep deadheading this variety of clematis to grow as they do benefit from it and it helps to keep them going.
'Clematis Olympia has the added benefit of being able to be planted in any aspect at all, so it's a win, win situation with this one,' says Chris.
Which is the easiest clematis to grow?
Among the easiest clematis to grow are the Viticella varieties.
'Viticella varieties are easy to start with, have a great color range, tolerate different locations and enjoy a long flowering period,' explains gardening writer Leigh Clapp.
'Consider the space you want them to cover to help with your selection and then choose the colors you like. Some could be too vigorous and become a nuisance in a small space,' she adds.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Which is the hardiest clematis?
There are many hardy varieties of clematis.
Two of the hardiest types of clematis are those with delicate, nodding flowers – alpina and macropetala.
Because they originate from cold mountain regions, they can withstand very cold temperatures. They are very tough and will thrive if planted in well-drained soil.
However, like all clematis, they are thirsty plants so need to be well watered in warm and dry periods.
Another hardy variety is Clematis montana, which is reliable and vigorous.
Rachel is senior content editor, and writes and commissions gardening content for homesandgardens.com, Homes & Gardens magazine, and its sister titles Period Living Magazine and Country Homes & Interiors. She has written for lifestyle magazines for many years, with a particular focus on gardening, historic houses and arts and crafts, but started out her journalism career in BBC radio, where she enjoyed reporting on and writing programme scripts for all manner of stories. Rachel then moved into regional lifestyle magazines, where the topics she wrote about, and people she interviewed, were as varied and eclectic as they were on radio.
Always harboring a passion for homes and gardens, she jumped at the opportunity to work on The English Home and The English Garden magazines for a number of years, before joining the Period Living team, then the wider Homes & Gardens team, specializing in gardens.
The Best Big Blooming Clematis
Most Popular
A garden is incomplete without clematis (Clematis spp.
and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 4–11). From the moment I grew my first one, I was hooked. The flowers can be in-your-face bold or uncharacteristically demure, but it doesn’t matter to me—I’ll take them all. I haven’t quite ringed my small garden in clematis, but it’s getting close. Few flowers offer such a kaleidoscope of colors and a myriad of exquisite shapes. Hybrid cultivars (like the ones featured here) tend to be the most popular because their flowers are fabulously showy—often oversize—and always delightful.
Clematis are indispensable in any-size garden as accent plants on fences, walls, arbors, posts, and pergolas, but they are equally brilliant rambling over and through trees and shrubs and twining with other vines. The Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) has trialed an amazing 224 different clematis over the past 22 years including large- and small-flowered hybrids, species, and nonclimbing herbaceous varieties. Because it would be overwhelming to present all of our trial results in one article, I’ve decided to concentrate on the performance of 108 of the most popular hybrids and cultivars of clematis.
I hope it will inspire you to plant one—or even as many as 13, like me.
Top Performers
Picardy™A clematis doesn’t have to be big to be bold. Picardy™ (‘Evipo024’) epitomizes this rule; its compact habit certainly doesn’t restrain the boldness of the vivid, violet-red flowers. This is no shrinking violet! Picardy™ is free flowering and often reblooms into late summer. Topping out at 5 feet tall, its petite size is suitable for containers and for small patios where larger clematis would be overwhelming.
‘Princess Diana’If someone were to ask me for a list of my favorite plants right now, ‘Princess Diana’ clematis would definitely top that list. Its tuliplike flowers are not only beautiful but also strikingly different in form from most large-flowered hybrids. The luminous tepals flare outward like a trumpet as they mature, revealing the creamy yellow stamens. ‘Princess Diana’ has a wispy habit when first planted but is a strong grower that gets more robust with age.
It pairs surprisingly nicely with the gently nodding, lavender-blue flowers of ‘Prince Charles’ clematis.
To look upon Blue Angel™ (‘Blekitny Aniol’) in full, glorious bloom is a heavenly sight indeed. A pale center and ruffled edges enhance the etherealness of its charming blue blossoms. Hundreds of flowers blanket its robust stems each summer, making it one of the most prolific bloomers I’ve ever seen. Blue Angel™, however, is not for the faint of heart; its Jack-and-the-Beanstalk growth rate can be daunting to a timid gardener. An eastern exposure is ideal for growing Blue Angel™ and other light-colored clematis because strong sunlight will fade pastel flowers. Reserve southern and western positions for clematis in deeper shades of blue, red, and purple.
Pink Champagne™Pink Champagne™ (‘Kakio’) is one of the earliest large-flowered clematis to bloom. As the name implies, this variety boasts bubbly, bright pink tepals with pale centers and bright yellow stamens.
Pink Champagne™ is a strong climber with a fairly narrow expanse, meaning it works well in tight spaces. I grow this variety alongside my garden gate in a cramped space that is less than a foot wide. The stems shoot straight up, making a beautiful pink exclamation point.
‘Viola’ is, in a word, sumptuous. The velvety, dark purple flowers are exceptional in their profusion and richness. This is a vigorous vine, reaching 10 feet tall, but climbs reasonably well without too much assistance (unlike some other large clematis varieties). Although we grew ‘Viola’ on a chain-link fence—ho hum—I always imagined its richly colored flowers more splendidly displayed against a silvery blue conifer or perhaps intertwined with a pearly white–flowered ‘Huldine’ or a rosy ‘Margot Koster’ clematis.
‘Wada’s Primrose’‘Wada’s Primrose’ embodies the very definition of flower power: A bumper crop of delicate primrose yellow flowers clothe the stems from top to bottom, sometimes beginning as early as mid-spring.
I find the harmonious combination of soft yellow tepals and yellow stamens quite soothing. ‘Wada’s Primrose’ has a refined habit, growing straight upward rather than taking a more circuitous path to the top of the fence. At 8 feet tall, it may seem incongruous to recommend ‘Wada’s Primrose’ for small spaces, but its verticality is an unfailing trait.
I first saw ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ grown to perfection in England and knew instantly that I wanted it for the CBG trial and my garden at home. The nodding, claret red tepals twist backward, giving the flowers a gappy appearance and thrusting their golden eye of stamens in your face. The sweetly scented blossoms are produced in great profusion for well over a month, beginning in late spring, and then reappear sporadically until the first frost. Because ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ blooms a bit early for a C. viticella–type clematis, its first flowers mingle beautifully with the waning blossoms of the popular ‘New Dawn’ rose (Rosa ‘New Dawn’, Zones 5–9).
How to Prune Clematis
The thing that causes the most confusion and angst for gardeners when it comes to clematis is pruning. Cut them back incorrectly and you won’t get any flowers; don’t cut them back at all and the plants may never reach their potential. In the 1960s, growers lumped clematis into three groups to simplify pruning. Rather than being scientific or taxonomic, these groups are based on the flowering habits of clematis—whether they bloom on old or new stems. This article deals only with the clematis that fall into either pruning group 2 or group 3. Here’s how to trim those types:
Group 2
VINES Form flower buds in the previous growing season and include large-flowered and double-flowered cultivars that bloom in spring and in early to midsummer.
Prune minimally to remove dead or errant stems in late winter to early spring. Waiting until the leaf buds begin to swell makes it easier to see what’s alive and what’s not, which helps preserve as many flowers as possible.
Some varieties, such as ‘Marie Boisselot’ and ‘Pink Fantasy’, can produce flowers on new stems, too, so pruning these varieties back to a foot in late winter encourages a later bloom season.
Group 3
VINES Form flower buds on new stems and include late-season, large-flowered cultivars; late-flowering species, such as C. viticella; and herbaceous species.
Cut back stems to healthy buds near the base of the plant in late winter to early spring. Train and tie new stems as they emerge to optimize the display for the coming season.
Clematis Trial Results
| Rating | Clematis | Flower color | Flower coverage | Flower size (diameter) | Bloom period | Height | Pruning group |
| ★★★ | ‘Abundance’ (v) | Wine red | Good | 3 inches | Early summer to midsummer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Ascotiensis’ | Lavender-blue | Good | 5½ inches | Early summer to late summer^ | 6 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Avant-garde™ (‘Evipo033’) | Red and pink, double | Excellent | 2½ inches | Early summer to midsummer | 7 feet | 3 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Bees’ Jubilee’ | Mauve-pink, darker bar | Excellent | 6 inches | Midspring to late spring^ | 6 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Betty Corning’ (v) | Pink-mauve | Good | 2½ inches | Early summer to late summer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Bill Mackenzie’ | Sulfur yellow | Good | 1½ inches | Midsummer to late fall | 15 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Black Prince’ (v) | Deep red-purple | Excellent | 3½ inches | Early summer to midsummer | 12 feet | 3 |
| ★★★★ | Blue Angel™ (‘Blekitny Aniol’) | Pale rosy blue | Excellent | 4½ inches | Late spring to midsummer | 12 feet | 3 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Blue Belle’ (v) | Deep violet-blue | Excellent | 3½ inches | Early summer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Bonanza™ (‘Evipo031’) | Purple-blue | Excellent | 5 inches | Midspring to midsummer | 6 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Bourbon™ (‘Evipo018’) | Deep magenta-red | Good | 7½ inches | Midspring to late spring^ | 7 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Carmencita’ (v) | Carmine-pink | Excellent | 3 inches | Early summer to midsummer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Cassis™ (‘Evipo020’) | Purple, double | Excellent | 4 inches | Early summer to midsummer | 6 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Clair de Lune/Blue Moon (‘Evirin’) | White and pale lilac | Good | 7 inches | Midspring to midsummer | 8 feet | 2 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’ | Mauve-pink | Excellent | 4½ inches | Late spring to late summer^ | 8 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Crystal Fountain™ (‘Evipo038’) | Lavender, double | Excellent | 6 inches | Midspring to early summer^ | 7 feet | 2 |
| ★★ | ‘Daniel Deronda’ | Deep purple-blue | Fair | 7 inches | Late spring to early summer^ | 8 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Doctor Ruppel’ | Deep rose-pink | Good | 6½ inches | Late spring to early summer | 7 feet | 2 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Emilia Plater’ (v) | Violet-blue | Excellent | 4 inches | Early summer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★ | Empress™ (‘Evipo011’) | Pink, double | Fair | 6 inches | Midspring to midsummer | 8 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Ernest Markham’ | Magenta | Excellent | 4½ inches | Midspring to late summer | 7 feet | 3 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Etoile Violette’ (v) | Dark purple | Excellent | 4 inches | Midspring to late summer^ | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Galore™ (‘Evipo032’) | Deep purple | Good | 4 inches | Late spring to midsummer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Guernsey Cream’ | Creamy yellow | Excellent | 5 inches | Midspring^ | 7 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Hagley Hybrid’ (‘Pink Chiffon’) | Pink | Good | 6 inches | Early summer^ | 8 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Harlow Carr™ (‘Evipo004’) | Deep purple-blue | Excellent | 5½ inches | Midspring to midsummer^ | 7 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Huldine’ | Pearly white | Good | 3½ inches | Late spring to midsummer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Jackmanii’ | Dark purple | Good | 5 inches | Early summer to late summer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | Josephine™ (‘Evijohill’) | Lilac-pink, double | Good | 5 inches | Midspring to midsummer | 8 feet | 2 |
| ★★ | Kingfisher™ (‘Evipo037’) | Purple-blue | Good | 5½ inches | Late spring to midsummer | 5 feet | 2 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ (v) | Claret red | Excellent | 4 inches | Late spring to midsummer^ | 9 feet | 3 |
| ★★★★ | ‘Margot Koster’ (v) | Rosy pink | Excellent | 4½ inches | Early summer | 10 feet | 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Marie Boisselot’ | White | Good | 7 inches | Midspring to midsummer^ | 8 feet | 2 or 3 |
| ★★★ | ‘Matka Urszula Ledochowska’ | White | Good | 6 inches | Midspring^ | 8 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Miss Bateman’ | White | Good | 6 inches | Midspring to early summer | 6 feet | 2 |
| ★★★ | ‘Mrs. Sporadic flowering noted after the initial bloom period
How We Did the TrialSince 1990, CBG has evaluated a staggering number of clematis—a sampling of which is represented on the chart. Number evaluated: 224 How long: A minimum of six years Criteria: Ornamental qualities, ease of growth, hardiness, disease and pest resistance Zone: 5b Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, alkaline, clay-loam soil. A series of 8-foot-tall chain-link fences were aligned north to south so that each clematis variety was grown in an east and a west exposure. Care: Minimal, thereby allowing the plants to thrive or fail under natural conditions. Plants were cut back in late winter following standard pruning guidelines. The Ins and Outs of Clematis
Don’t plant it just anywhereSelecting the right clematis and the right place in your garden to grow it should be a hand-in-hand decision. What on earth is a “Tepal”?TepalThe flower structure of clematis is not as simple as it seems—and that’s what makes it interesting. Clematis flowers are technically petal-less. The colorful “petal” is actually a modified sepal, which, in other flowers, is typically a sort of leafy green structure that sits below the true petals. Because this structure on clematis is neither a petal nor a sepal, it is referred to as a “Tepal.” Clematis flowers have a cluster of stamens sitting at the center of the tepals. The stamen color is not only decorative but also helpful in identifying specific cultivars. Select the right supportUnlike vines that climb by twining stems or tendrils, clematis attaches to a support by wrapping its leaf petioles around it. There’s a limit to the length of the petiole; therefore, small-diameter supports, such as bamboo canes, poles, or plastic-coated wires, are best. If the support is too wide for the petioles to wrap around fully, then the plant will not be anchored well, making it susceptible to damage or displacement by wind. I’ve seen beautifully designed trellises with 1-inch-square slats that are unusable because the petioles can’t twist around them easily. It may need a leg upVigorous new shoots grow quickly with the onset of warm days, so training clematis stems to keep them on course can be an almost-daily task in spring. With the right support, many clematis will do an admirable job of climbing on their own; however, some can be a bit unruly and need a little more help. As stems grow, I tie them to the support with raffia until the petioles can do their job. Food is just as important as waterClematis is a heavy feeder that appreciates supplemental nutrients each year. Organic compost or rotted manure are great fertilizers, which also act as mulch to cool the roots and retain soil moisture. If you use a balanced liquid fertilizer instead, begin fertilizing as new growth emerges in spring, but discontinue once the flower buds swell. Resume fertilizing after flowering to promote more growth and perhaps another crop of flowers. Seed heads provide a late-season showSeed headThe seed heads of some clematis can be eye-catching in their form and color. The styles may become feathery with age, changing color to yellow, golden brown (photo, above), or silver. One of its common names—old man’s beard—refers to the fluffy seed heads that are prominent on some species. It is not, unfortunately, pest- or disease-freeRabbits are pernicious pests, browsing succulent new stems as they emerge. Clematis wilt is a devastating disease for some large-flowered clematis. It strikes early in the season when a plant is in bud or just beginning to bloom. The fungus usually enters near the base of the plant through a crack in the stem, and as the fungus grows, it cuts off water and nutrients to all growth above the infection point, resulting in wilted or collapsed stems (photo, above). All affected stems should be removed and destroyed. The good news is that clematis wilt is rarely deadly, and new stems should redevelop. Some clematis, especially older cultivars, are more prone to wilt than others. If the problem persists, I recommend replanting with a C. New Kids on the BlockThe following clematis have been in the trial for only four years but, so far, are showing signs of being exceptional plants. Rüütel™When I first saw the crimson flowers of Rüütel™ (‘Kiviruut’) in 2009, I was like a wide-eyed kid experiencing a Christmas miracle. It’s truly a luscious color. The 7-inch-wide flowers feature deeply grooved tepals with ruffled edges and similarly colored stamens, which give it a monochromatic look that I love. Rüütel™ blooms from late spring to midsummer on stems that only reach 6 feet tall, making it perfect for small patios where the luxuriant blossoms can be viewed up close. Rüütel™ is an easy-care (pruning group 3) clematis. Piilu™Piilu™ (‘Kivso’), which translates as “little duckling,” has pretty bicolored flowers with pale purplish pink margins and deep pink central bars. Double-flowered plants aren’t always my cup of tea; there’s something a bit fussy looking about them. But I make an exception for ‘Teshio’. Its spiky, double, lavender-blue flowers, stretching to 5 inches wide, are reminiscent of the venerable ‘Belle of Woking’ clematis, albeit darker. It’s fun to watch the spidery tepals unfurl—a bit haphazardly, at first, but eventually morphing into a pretty, well-structured blossom. There have been many wonderful clematis introductions over the years, stretching as far back as the 1800s. So Starburst™ (‘Roblom’), which was introduced in 2008, is a real newbie compared to ‘Jackmanii’, a garden standard that was introduced in 1858. Starburst™ features exuberant, 7-inch-wide magenta flowers with a big boss of yellow stamens from mid- to late spring. The creamy centers of each tepal display a starburst pattern within the darker flower. This is an impressive bloomer and a strong climber, reaching up to 8 feet tall.
Richard Hawke is the plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. Photos: courtesy of Richard Hawke, except: Danielle Sherry; BBC Magazines Ltd./www.gapphotos.com; Manuela Goehner/www.gapphotos.com; www.millettephotomedia.com. Illustrations: Dolores R. Santoliquido Sources The following mail-order plant sellers offer many of the clematis featured: Brushwood Nursery, Athens, Ga.; 706-389-0689; www.gardenvines.com Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose, Ore.; 503-543-7474; www.joycreek.com Whitney Gardens & Nursery, Brinnon, Wash.; 800-952-2404; www.whitneygardens.com
View Comments Design Plants That Bloom in Late Winter or Early Spring After the bright lights of the holiday season have been turned off, the dark days of winter seem to drag on forever. Gardeners begin to look through the catalogs, dreaming… 12 best varieties of clematisDescription of the best varieties of clematis - according to gardenersCategories:
Author: Natalya Baskova nine0005 Clematis are flowering perennial climbing plants for pergolas, arches and arbors. Clematis, pruning group I Blossom on two-year shoots. Grown without autumn pruning and without bending down, showing high winter hardiness. In the group there are varieties of Alpine, large-leaved and Siberian clematis. In private ornamental gardening, the most popular genus Atragene, which gives undersized vines. Varieties of this genus are combined into a group of princes. They are characterized by abundant early spring flowering and moderate - in August. Clematis II pruning groupBlossom on one-year and two-year growth twice per season. During the growing season, pinch out three times to stimulate lateral branching: at a height of 20-30 cm, 50-70 cm and 100-150 cm. Pruning is carried out 2 times: after the 1st flowering, removing faded shoots, and in the fall before shelter, pruning strong shoots current year by ⅓. The shoots are removed from the support and covered. In regions with a harsh climate, the shoots are not left in the winter, resulting in only one late summer flowering. nine0005 Clematis, pruning group IIIBlossom on the shoots of the current year: from mid to late summer. Before shelter, such clematis are heavily pruned, leaving 2 - 3 internodes, or 15 - 20 cm. Rating of the best varieties of clematis | Location | Designation | Rank | nine0043|||
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| The best varieties of clematis pruning group I | 1 | Markham's Pink | 9. 9 / 10 nine0046 | ||||
| 2 | Cecile | 9.9 / 10 | |||||
| 3 | nine0047 Maidwell Hall9.8 / 10 | ||||||
| 4 | purple dream | nine0047 9.||||||
| 5 | White Swan | 9.8 / 10 | nine0043|||||
| The best clematis pruning group II | 1 | Sunset | 9.8 / 10 nine0046 | ||||
| 2 | The President | 9. 8 / 10 | |||||
| 3 | nine0047 Hope9.8 / 10 | ||||||
| 4 | Nelly Moser | nine0047 9.8 / 10||||||
| The best varieties of clematis pruning group III | 1 | Niobe nine0046 | 9. 9 / 10 | ||||
| 2 | Jackmanii | 9.9 / 10 nine0046 | |||||
| 3 | Ville de Lyon | 9.8 / 10 | |||||
| 4 | nine0047 Purpurea Plena Elegans 9. 7 / 10 |
Mind the cardinal rule of growing clematis—give it plenty of sunlight but keep its roots cool—to ensure success. Planting shrubs or perennials in front of the vine shades its base and cools the soil. Clematis likes plenty of water, especially while its roots are becoming established after planting, so avoid putting it in a dry root zone, like under the eaves of a building or too near the base of a large tree.
Keep in mind that your neighbor may get the best show if you don’t place and train your clematis well.
A wire-mesh cage, about 2 feet tall surrounding the base of the plant, will help protect against rabbits; the fencing may also deter mice from nesting at the base of the plant. Earwigs are creepier than they are harmful but can cause significant cosmetic damage by chewing holes in flower buds and leaves.
viticella cultivar because it is not troubled by wilt (see the [v] notation on the chart).
I’m particularly impressed by its prodigious flower production—it’s one of the most floriferous clematis I’ve ever grown. The open-faced flowers, 3 to 4 inches wide, are produced from early to late summer and are nicely distributed over the entire plant. The early flowers are supposedly semi-double, but I’ve only seen single flowers on our plants. This is a strong climber, reaching 6 feet tall with a narrow but full habit. For pruning purposes, Piilu™ blooms on old wood, so it can be lumped into group 1 or 2. This also means that it will flower earlier if there is no winter injury to the stems.
‘Teshio’ is a fairly strong bloomer from late spring to early summer, sometimes reblooming later in summer. It maintains a compact, bushy habit, reaching 7 feet tall, and is perfect for containers or patio plantings. Clematis is a great cut flower, and the spidery blossoms of ‘Teshio’ create quite a buzz in a floral arrangement.
Creeping groundcovers are less common, giving abundant flowering with horizontal growth. We present you a description and photos of the best varieties of clematis - according to reviews of experienced gardeners. To regulate growth and intensive flowering, clematis need pruning. Sanitary pruning is carried out throughout the season, removing dry and diseased shoots. Autumn pruning before shelter for the winter has differences for different varieties, depending on the nature of the laying of flower buds. According to the method of pruning, 3 groups of clematis are distinguished. nine0005 
These varieties of clematis do not suffer from wilt and are considered the most hardy and unpretentious. nine0005 
8 / 10 The best varieties of clematis of I pruning group
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Markham's Pink nine0019 Very early flowering small flowered clematis. Creepers grow 2 - 3 meters long, so it is ideal for decorating a fence and hedges. Horizontal cultivation without support is allowed, as a ground cover form. The flowers are pale pink semi-double "bells" with a diameter of 5 to 8 cm. They densely cover the bush in May - June, depending on the region of cultivation. After flowering, the vines are decorated with decorative fruit boxes. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews An excellent variety for the initial stage of acquaintance with clematis. |
It tolerates shading well, high frost resistance expands the growing area of \u200b\u200bthis clematis from the Moscow region to the Urals and Kamchatka. nine0005 
It can be purchased at any garden store. nine0005 |
Cecile nine0019 Early flowering English small-flowered clematis. Shoots grow from 2.5 to 3 meters long. Semi-double, drooping flowers are fully opened. They have a complex coloration: blue-violet on the outside, and blue on the inside. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rating Reviews Good clematis with beautiful blooms for a "lazy" garden - minimal care requirements. | nine0043
The diameter of the flowers is 3 - 5 cm. After abundant flowering in early spring (April - May), a single summer one follows, which, together with pubescent seedlings, creates a stunning effect. It has increased frost resistance and is suitable for growing even in zone 3. Brings out partial shade. nine0005 
9 / 10 |
Maidwell Hall nine0019 Old, but not losing popularity small-flowered variety of large-leaved clematis. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rating Reviews This is my favorite of the princes. It blooms on average for about a month with a real cloud. | nine0043
Shoots 2 - 2.5 meters long. It can also be grown as a ground cover plant in compositions with conifers and early denuding vines. Sky-blue with a lilac tint, semi-double flowers with a diameter of 4-5 cm bloom in April-June. A single flowering is observed throughout the summer on young shoots. Additional decorative effect at the end of summer and autumn is given by attractive seedlings. Tolerates shade well. Weak growth allows planting in tubs on terraces and balconies. It can also be formed on pergolas and along the walls of buildings. In terms of frost resistance, it belongs to zone 4 and can be successfully grown in the Moscow region and the Middle lane. nine0005 
8 / 10 |
purple dream nine0019 A new large-flowered clematis variety of Polish selection. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rating Reviews Perfectly winters in the conditions of the Moscow region without shelter and bending down. Without special care and attention, it annually pleases with spectacular flowering. nine0005 |
Gives shoots 2 - 2.5 meters long, in the southern regions - up to 3 - 4 meters. Horizontal cultivation without support is allowed. The flowers are double, bright pink with purple outer petals and pale pink inner petals, 10-12 cm in diameter, with a delicate aroma of grapefruit. Abundant flowering in May, single at the end of summer. The flowers of the second wave of flowering on a one-year growth are also terry. Large leaves with serrated edges are highly decorative. It is actively grown in the gardens of the Moscow Region and the Middle Strip. nine0005 
8 / 10 |
White Swan nine0019 A typical representative of princes. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.eight / 10 Rating Reviews Rare coloration, especially in the first group. |
| nine0046 | |
The flowers are semi-double, bell-shaped, 5-8 cm in diameter, white with greenish stamens. Date repeated single flowering. It shows increased winter hardiness (zone 3), in care and unpretentiousness it does not differ from other varieties of the group. Best clematis II pruning group
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Sunset Our rating of the best clematis varieties is continued by a modern large-flowered hybrid from the USA. Gives powerful shoots 2.5 - 3 meters long and requires strong support. Main advantages:
Minuses:
| 9. Rating Reviews In the Middle lane it is difficult to keep two-year-old shoots, on which the first early and abundant flowering occurs. I grow it as an ampelous terrace plant. nine0005 |
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The President nine0019 Bright large-flowered variety of clematis of the old selection. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rating Reviews For all the years of cultivation, this clematis demonstrates high winter hardiness: under good cover, two-year-old shoots are preserved and give early abundant flowering. nine0046 |
|
Hope nine0019 An old large-flowered variety.
Cons:
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Nelly Moser nine0019 Early flowering large-flowered clematis. Main pluses:
Cons:
| nine0047 |
| nine0046 | |
The best varieties of clematis, pruning group III
| A compact Polish variety with worldwide recognition Shoots grow only 1.5 - 2 meters. The flowers are black-red with yellow anthers, velvety, up to 15-17 cm in diameter. In the southern regions, it can be grown according to pruning group II. On last year's shoots it blooms at the end of June, the flowers adorn the bush until the cold weather. Disease resistance is high, but in adverse conditions it can be affected by wilt. Tolerates low shade well. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews Excellent velvet color. In the Moscow region, clematis Niobe feels good, but in warmer areas it blooms more abundantly. |
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Jackmanii nine0019 Next in our ranking is the English variety of clematis, beloved by beginners and gurus. Gives powerful shoots 3 - 4 meters long. The flowers are dark purple with a bluish tint, 10-12 cm in diameter. Anthers are green. Differs in excellent immunity, endurance and high frost resistance. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews I recommend it to everyone. | nine0043
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Ville de Lyon nine0019 French multi-flowered clematis. Creepers grow 3 - 4 meters long, quickly braids the support. Flowers 10 to 15 cm in diameter, simple. The petals are wide, overlap each other, bright crimson. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews Reliable, unpretentious and abundantly flowering variety of clematis. | nine0043
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Purpurea Plena Elegans nine0019 Unusual hybrid bred in France. Creepers up to 3.5 meters long, fast growth. The flowers are double, 6-7 cm in diameter, purple in color, without anthers. The small size of the flowers is compensated by the abundance and duration of flowering. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.7 / 10 Rating Reviews The leaves are small and sparse, which makes the bush bald, but during the flowering period it is densely covered with cute fluffy flowers. |
In 1-2 years of life, all varieties of clematis are heavily pruned (up to the first bud) to stimulate active growth and awaken "sleeping" buds. If, when purchasing a seedling of a new variety, you forgot to specify its pruning group, just observe the plant: at what time it blooms, where it lays flower buds, how early the vegetation begins and what growth rates it shows. This information will be enough to determine the correct method of pruning by the third year. nine0005
In the cultivation of clematis, there is another type of pruning - rejuvenating , which is carried out for princes, completely cutting out old shoots every 3-4 years.
There are a lot of varieties and hybrids of clematis. You can choose interesting combinations of shades and make compositions with other ornamental plants. When planting several varieties side by side, it is necessary to take into account their strength of growth and the degree of branching so that one does not drown out the other. The price of seedlings does not depend much on the variety (increased only for new items), but is determined by the state of the root system and the type of planting material: a rhizome in a bag with peat or a seedling in a container. At the same time, in some stores, a seedling can be twice as expensive as a rhizome. nine0005
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The best varieties of clematis: description and photo
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Amazing and original clematis captivate not only with the beauty and tenderness of their delightful flowers, but also with the originality of the leaves, along with the thinness and length of the shoots. The decorativeness of plants observed in the photo of clematis is explained by the large number of flowers that opened at the same time, as well as the duration of flowering and the richness of the palette. Having no equal in beauty among other vines, clematis are found in almost all corners of the planet, with the exception of the polar latitudes. nine0005
In our country, active breeding work on the cultivation of clematis began only from the middle of the last century, but the results of the fruitful work of breeders have already become outstanding varieties that reflect all the advantages of these beautiful plants.
Pruning clematis brings a lot of trouble for both beginners and experienced gardeners. But if you put all these chores into the right algorithm, the pruning issue will not seem like a difficult and unsolvable task. Regardless of how strong or weak pruning may be, according to its purpose, it is divided into several varieties:
- seasonal pruning (spring or autumn)
- shaping or thinning
- sanitary
In order for the flowering of clematis to be lush and long, it is necessary to help the plant in the formation of a full and branched rhizome. A freshly planted plant needs a radical pruning, leaving no more than three buds on the lower part of the shoot. A fast-growing creeping vine will require re-pruning after a few weeks, so you need to carefully control its length. Experts warn that in the first year of a young plant's life, its growth should not exceed 40 centimeters. nine0005
Clematis are subdivided into groups due to different approaches to pruning:
- Clematis varieties 1 pruning group (early flowering)
This group includes plants that bloom on old last year's shoots and do not require special pruning, otherwise their ability to bloom will slow down or disappear. However, even such clematis require periodic sanitary pruning, which removes damaged and dried stems. These varieties of clematis spend the winter on special supports, start growing early in the spring, and by May and June they bloom with small double or simple flowers. nine0005
- Clematis varieties 2 pruning groups (early summer flowering)
These varieties produce flowers on mature vines in spring and on young shoots in summer. In plants, it is necessary to cut off last year's shoots in the fall, leaving no more than 2-6 pairs of buds on the stems. In the future, after pruning, the stems must be laid on the ground and certainly covered, so that in the spring young shoots can hatch from the buds that have successfully survived the winter, on which the first flowers will appear at the very beginning of summer. In addition, with the onset of heat, new shoots will come from the roots, which will ensure flowering in July and August: these shoots will subsequently also be cut and covered for the upcoming winter. These varieties of clematis are distinguished by a long growing season. nine0005
- Clematis varieties 3 pruning groups (summer flowering)
Plants in this group are recommended to be pruned low, 10 to 30 centimeters from ground level. With the advent of spring, buds wake up on last year's shoots, giving life to young stems: bright flowers will flaunt on them from July to September, and the duration of flowering will depend on the climatic conditions of the region. Varieties are characterized by a relatively short growing season. nine0005
It happens that the owner of clematis does not know exactly which of the indicated pruning groups his plant belongs to, in such a situation you just need to observe the growth of the perennial, analyze the timing of its flowering, the beginning and duration of the growing season. By the third season of clematis growth, an attentive gardener will be able to understand which pruning method will be optimal for him.
For ambiguous situations, there is always a compromise solution in the form of a combined pruning, which involves cutting the stem above one or two pairs of buds above the ground and removing all shoots older than three years of age after the first flowering of the plant. Combined pruning is also used for hybrid varieties obtained by crossing different varieties of clematis. nine0005
Description of clematis
Being distributed almost everywhere, except for places of permafrost, salt marshes and deserts, clematis safely endure both severe frosts and sweltering heat. Their thin and strong shoots can stretch up to five meters: the British call these plants "girl's hair." Clematis flowers can be simple, double and semi-double. The color palette includes cornflower blue, lilac, purple, turquoise, crimson, cream, pink, snow-white, yellow and even green shades, but mostly gravitates towards blue tones. The core of the flower is called the anther. The rhizome of clematis grows new roots every year with numerous adventitious roots. nine0005
Depending on the size of the flower, clematis are divided into large-flowered (over 5 cm in diameter) and small-flowered (less than 5 cm in diameter). Large-flowered clematis are considered to be the most decorative, but small-flowered clematis are no less beautiful, making less demands on breeding conditions. Small-flowered varieties are exceptionally elegant, as can be seen in the photo of clematis, their flowering is more abundant and no less impressive than that of large-flowered relatives.
Clematis varietal description
Clematis variety Ville de Lyon belongs to the French multi-flowered clematis, in the description of clematis, the emphasis is on the high growth rate of the vine and the brightness of wide overlapping petals. Juicy burgundy-carmine petals in the sun can fade, changing the shade to lilac. In the photo of clematis, you can see how the yellow anthers seem to illuminate the flower from the inside with a sunny color. The variety has a high immunity to the disease, but is susceptible to infection by a nematode.
Clematis variety Rouge Cardinal is also of French origin and is a hybrid from the Jacquement group. In the description of clematis, it is necessary to mention the gold medal he received at the Dutch exhibition. A photo of clematis shows a vine 2–3 meters long, crowned with large purple flowers the size of a tea saucer. The sharpness and majesty of the purple of the petals is softened by the yellowness of the stamens. Fast-growing shoots can lengthen by a full decimeter per day under favorable weather conditions, so the plant needs strong pruning in the fall. nine0005
Clematis cultivar The president, obtained in the late 19th century, owes its name to the present president of the British Royal Horticultural Society. In the photo of clematis, multiple large bright star-shaped flowers of a rather complex color attract attention. Juicy purple tone to the center loses saturation, gradually turning into a bluish color. The purple stripe along the petal and burgundy anthers successfully contrast with the general tone of blue. The stems are able to stretch 2 - 2.5 meters due to the high growth rate. The variety is absolutely unpretentious, therefore it is recommended even for novice gardeners. nine0005
Clematis cultivar Nelli Moser belongs to hybrid large-flowered clematis of early flowering and is famous for its powerful three-meter shoots. Simple flowers are able to reach the size of a good plate in diameter, as can be seen in the photo of clematis. Pink-lilac petals have a bright purple longitudinal stripe in the center, and anthers are painted dark purple. To maintain the original coloring, it is important to plant the plant in partial shade. Of the minuses in the description of clematis, an insufficiently strong wave of re-blooming is indicated. The variety can be used both for vertical decoration and as a living plant carpet. nine0005
Clematis cultivar Purpurea Plena elegans is considered an unusual hybrid bred in France. In the photo of clematis, you can see double flowers of an unusual shape that do not have anthers. Monochrome purple color gives the plant solidity and severity. Not too impressive sizes of flowers are compensated by their abundance and long flowering period. In the description of clematis, it is necessary to mention the elegance indicated in the name of the variety: such elegance is achieved thanks to graceful fluffy inflorescences and compact leaves. Gardeners characterize the variety as resistant to diseases and bad weather. nine0005
Clematis variety Ashva is in demand by gardeners all over the world because of its miniature size and abundance of flowering. The photo of clematis shows petals with an intricate purple-lilac color, with beautiful corrugated edges. Delicate cream anthers are set off by bright dark purple stamens. Flowers with diameters from 5 to 8 centimeters, and vines no more than 2 meters long. In the description of clematis, you can use the metaphor of a fabulous lilac-blue waterfall - the vine of the plant falls picturesquely along walls or fences. nine0005
Clematis variety Piilu, bred in Estonia, is compact: the perennial does not grow up to one and a half meters, but one of its bushes can have about 600 pinkish or pale lilac flowers. The description of clematis indicates that the variety is ideal for growing in flowerpots and containers placed on balconies and terraces.
In the description of clematis, sometimes emphasis is placed on a certain exoticism of plants and even the capriciousness of their temper. In fact, the effeminacy of clematis is often exaggerated: even a novice gardener is able to grow a quality vine on his site, it’s just important to choose the right clematis variety that is optimally suited to the climatic conditions of the region and provide the plant with proper care. nine0005
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