Clematis
Clematis spp.
📖 About this plant
A spectacular group of climbing vines known as the ‘Queen of Climbers,’ producing large, showy flowers in an incredible range of colors, sizes, and forms. Clematis varieties are classified by pruning group (1, 2, or 3), which determines when and how to cut them back. They bloom from early spring through fall depending on variety, with some producing both spring and fall flushes.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun (6+ hrs) with shaded roots
Every 2-3 days
Moderate (40-60%)
10-25°C
Cool, moist, well-draining loam with ample organic matter; pH 6.0-7.0. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil; root zone must stay cool and shaded
Balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after first flowering flush; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote foliage at the expense of blooms
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Worldwide — temperate regions of China, Japan, Europe, and North America
- 📏 Max height
- 1-6+ m depending on species and variety
- 📐 Spread
- 60-120 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring - Fall
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Purple, Pink, White
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Mildly toxic — all parts contain protoanemonin which can cause skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested; handle with gloves as sap can cause contact dermatitis
- 🌱 Propagation
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layer low-growing stems in spring; sow seeds in fall (stratification needed — germination irregular)
🛡️ Health & Safety
Mildly toxic — all parts contain protoanemonin which can cause skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested; handle with gloves as sap can cause contact dermatitis
Common issues
- Clematis wilt (Ascochyta clematidina) — sudden collapse of stems, Yellowing leaves from root zone overheating, Poor flowering from incorrect pruning, Powdery mildew in dry conditions
💡 Care tips
- Plant with the crown 2 inches below soil surface,Provide a sturdy trellis or structure for climbing,Mulch heavily to keep roots cool in full sun,Prune based on your variety's blooming group
