Clematis Vines

Clematis has long been a garden staple since it was brought to Europe from its native origins in China and Japan. Numerous hybrids and cultivars have been bred and many more are being produced constantly. The vigorous woody climbing lianas are fragile until they are several years old. Clematis is mostly found in cool climates, rarely in the tropics. Clematis species adapted to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere are deciduous while the warmer climate clematis varieties are evergreen. Clematis grows best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. The leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera. 

Flowering time and pruning:

 

  • Spring blooming clematis bears flowers on side shoots of the previous year's stems. Does not require pruning except to remove tangled growth after the flowering period is over.
  • Summer or fall blooming clematis bear flowers only on the ends of new stems of the current year's growth. Can be heavily pruned in the dormant season to two leaf buds from the ground.
  • Twice flowering re-blooming clematis bear flowers on both shoots of stems of the previous year's growth and the current year's new growth. Light pruning in the dormant season to maintain structure.