Clematis are vines that require full to partial sun. While the tops need more sun, the roots need cool shade, so lots of mulch is a good idea. They should be planted a bit deeper than the root ball to encourage roots to grow up the stem. Wet feet will kill them, so make sure the soil is well drained. For best results, fertilize regularly, as they are heavy feeders. Clematis are easily propagated by layering. Clematis are poisonous.
The type of Clematis determines how it should be pruned. If you are unsure of which class you have, go a year or so without pruning. If it becomes top heavy with lush growth on top and looks barren on the bottom, it is type C or 3. To help the Clematis fill in faster, it helps to prune all classes as a type C or 3 for the first two or three years.
I have cut Clematis back in mid summer when they were looking bad and they came back lush and continued blooming through the end of the season.
There are some fungal issues that are spread through spores entering injuries in the stems, so care should be taken when pruning or weeding around Clematis. Planting deeply also helps to prevent this as it provides a stronger root system.
Thrips also enjoy Clematis, but healthy gardening practices can help keep them at a minimum.
Some of my Clematis were ordered from Silver Star Vinery, and they arrived bigger and healthier than those purchased at box stores, nurseries or well known mail order companies.
The type of Clematis determines how it should be pruned. If you are unsure of which class you have, go a year or so without pruning. If it becomes top heavy with lush growth on top and looks barren on the bottom, it is type C or 3. To help the Clematis fill in faster, it helps to prune all classes as a type C or 3 for the first two or three years.
- Type A or 1: Blooms on old wood. Prune only to control growth, immediately after flowering.
- Type B or 2: Blooms on both old and new wood. In late winter or early spring, prune back approximately one foot, to the first set of buds. After the first flush of blooms, prune plant back by approximately one third to encourage new growth.
- Type C or 3: Blooms on new wood. In late winter or early spring, prune back to the lowest set of buds, to a height of approximately six inches to one foot, to encourage full growth.
I have cut Clematis back in mid summer when they were looking bad and they came back lush and continued blooming through the end of the season.
There are some fungal issues that are spread through spores entering injuries in the stems, so care should be taken when pruning or weeding around Clematis. Planting deeply also helps to prevent this as it provides a stronger root system.
Thrips also enjoy Clematis, but healthy gardening practices can help keep them at a minimum.
Some of my Clematis were ordered from Silver Star Vinery, and they arrived bigger and healthier than those purchased at box stores, nurseries or well known mail order companies.
Clematis ‘Carnaby’
hardy in zones 5-8 type B or 2 April-November bloom |
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Clematis ‘Climador’
a.k.a. ‘Konigskind’ PPAF hardy in zones 4-9 type C or 3 April-November bloom |
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Clematis ‘Crystal Fountain’
a.k.a. ‘EVIPO 038’, ‘Fairy Blue’ PP 18223 hardy in zones 4-9 type B or 2 April-November bloom This is the best growing Clematis in our garden! It has gotten so large that I need to move part of it. |
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Clematis ‘Duchess Of Edinburgh’
hardy in zones 3-10 type B or 2 May-November bloom Somewhat prone to thrips, but the plant itself does well in the garden. |
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Clematis ‘H.F. Young’
hardy in zones 4-9 type B or 2 May-October bloom A top performer in our garden. Prolific blooms every year. |
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Clematis ‘Niobe’
hardy in zones 5-11 type B or 2 April-September bloom For some reason this has never really taken off in the garden as others have, and I've tried it in multiple locations. |
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Clematis ‘Rouge Cardinal’
hardy in zones 4-8 type C or 3 May-October bloom |
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Clematis ‘Samaritan Jo’
a.k.a. 'EVIPO 075' PPAF hardy in zones 3-11 type B or 2 May-June bloom |
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Clematis ‘Will Goodwin’
hardy in zones 4-7 type B or 2 May-August bloom Blooms are single on new wood and double on old wood. It died back a few years ago, and it hasn't recovered yet. |
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Clematis terniflora
common names include Japanese Clematis, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virgin’s Bower hardy in zones 4-9 type C or 3 August-October bloom Gorgeous in the late summer, but can easily take over an area, including by self-sowing. Very fragrant!!! |
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Updated March 24, 2022.
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