Clematis: The Queen of Climbers for Vertical Garden Drama

Clematis: The Queen of Climbers for Vertical Garden Drama

We prize climbers for the extra dimension they bring, and above all, we value Clematis. Its twining stems lift floral displays into the third dimension. It partners beautifully with shrubs and small trees—climbing through branches without smothering, adding a second season to spring bloomers like Lilacs or Crabapples, or contrasting with Roses for a breathtaking floral counterpoint.

Stunning Clematis Partnerships

• Dawn & Dusk: Deep purple Clematis 'Etoile Violette' with blush pink Climbing Rose 'New Dawn'. Clematis clambers up the Rose's canes, placing its flowers beside the fragrant Rose blooms. Peak in early July is pure magic; both repeat bloom.
• Garnets & Gold: Clematis 'Etoile Violette' with Rose 'Golden Showers'.

Support Options

Clematis twines stems and leaf petioles around any narrow support—lathe, wire, bamboo, rustic twigs. It thrives on tuteurs, arbors, and garden structures, creating arresting focal points.

Clematis Growing Tips

This diverse group offers a Clematis for virtually every situation: shorter, non-climbing types through shrub Roses and small trees; taller varieties covering arbors or trellises. The long flowering season begins with compact alpinas and macropetalas in early spring, progresses through large-flowered hybrids in early summer, continues with texensis and viticella varieties in late summer, and concludes with exuberant Sweet Autumn Clematis (C. terniflora) that can cover an unsightly structure in one season. Visit our Clematis Image Library for photos.

Care Summary

• Light/Watering: At least 6 hours sun; some tolerate partial shade, all benefit from afternoon shade in the South. Cool root run essential—lay flat stones at base, or plant annuals/shallow-rooted perennials around them. Water regularly, especially in dry periods; water thoroughly (deep-rooted).
• Fertilizer/Soil/pH: Rich, well-drained soil; neutral pH preferred (add lime if needed). Generous planting hole, amend as needed, avoid fresh manure. Plant crown 3–4 inches below soil surface to protect dormant buds. Provide support immediately. Heavy feeder: low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) in spring when buds are ~2 inches long. Alternate every 4–6 weeks with balanced 10-10-10 until season's end.
• Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to fungi causing sudden wilting/browning. Prune out diseased tissue, destroy, disinfect pruners with bleach. Usually not fatal if planted correctly—dormant buds send new growth. Handle gently; physical stem injury causes wilting/death.
• Companions: Plant at base of shrubs/small trees; they weave through foliage, extending bloom season. Use woody Shrub Roses to support non-clinging varieties (e.g., purple/blue Clematis through yellow Shrub Rose). Adjust culture for competition from woody host.
• Reflowering: For late-season bloomers, cut vine by half after main bloom. Varieties flowering on old and new wood often produce a few end-of-season blooms.
• Transplanting: Young vines can move with plenty of soil if watered religiously. Cut back lightly or severely before moving in early spring (depending on variety).
• Pruning: Dead/damaged stems removable anytime. First spring after planting: prune all varieties to lowest pair of healthy buds. Thereafter, prune to control size/shape or encourage bloom. Flowering declines on stems 4+ years old—prune out very old stems periodically in early spring for more compact plants with flowers at eye level. Rejuvenate old plants by cutting back severely to ~18 inches after first flush of bloom.

Pruning Groups

• Group 1: Bloom on old wood; no pruning except size control (light prune after flowering to healthy buds).
• Group II: Bloom first on old wood, then on new; light prune early spring to shape/remove weak growth, then prune after bloom if desired. Includes 'Alabast', Anna Louise™, Arctic Queen™, Bourbon™, 'Carnival', Clair de Lune™, Crystal Fountain™, 'Dr. Ruppel', 'Edouard Desfossé', Empress™, Franziska Marie™, Josephine™, 'Guernsey Cream', C. lanuginosa 'Candida', C. macropetala, 'Multi-Blue', 'Nelly Moser', 'Niobe', 'Piilu', Rosemoor™, Royal Velvet™, Sugar Candy™, 'The President', Wisley™.
• Group III: All flower on new growth; cut back to 12 inches in early spring. Ideal for growing through shrubs (old growth removed annually). Includes 'Arabella', Avant-Garde™, Bonanza™, Cassis™, 'Comtesse de Bouchaud', 'Etoile Violette', 'Fairydust', 'Fascination', Clematis florida 'Plena', Clematis florida 'Sieboldii', C. x jackmanii 'Superba', 'Madame Julia Correvon', 'Pink Fantasy', Pistachio™, Clematis terniflora (C. paniculata), Clematis x triternata 'Rubromarginata', Peppermint™, 'Pink Fantasy', 'Sunset', Vienetta™, 'Ville de Lyon'.

End-of-Season Care

Mulch if desired, but keep material away from crowns and stems. Ensure Group I and II vines are tied securely to supports for winter winds.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Fertilize with 5-10-10 when new growth reaches 2 inches. Transplant young vines now. Wait for new growth before removing dead/damaged stems and pruning per group: leave Group I alone; prune Group II lightly; cut Group III to 12 inches. First spring after planting: prune all to lowest pair of healthy buds.
Mid-Spring: Continue feeding monthly, alternating 5-10-10 with 10-10-10. Plant annuals at base if not protected by stones. Tie vines to supports as they grow.
Late Spring: Mulch if desired (keep away from crowns/stems). Water thoroughly if dry. Cultivate carefully—physical injury causes wilting. Guide new growth by tying. Lightly prune Group I after flowering if needed.
Summer: Watch for fungal wilt; remove/destroy affected parts, sterilize pruners. Group II may be pruned by half after main bloom to encourage new flowers. Water as needed.
Fall: Ensure Group I and II vines are tied securely for winter. Mulch if desired (away from crown). Water well if dry.